‘Training programs benefit only 4% of participants’

JEDDAH: Only four percent of those who attend training sessions fully benefit from lectures and some 72 percent leave without learning anything, said Tareq Al-Suwaidan, general manager of Al-Resalah satellite channel.

“This meeting is for trainers of all backgrounds; some are from social organizations and others are from technical and industrial organizations. All are here to hear speakers and to get advice on what is new in training methods. They are here to give and receive advice about training,” said Al-Suwaidan, who was speaking at the 2nd Arab Gulf Forum for Training.

Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed opened the three-day conference at the Laylati Hall last night. The forum has been planned and organized by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“All of you (trainers) have come here today to solve the problems you face at your training sessions,” Al-Suwaidan said, adding that trainers face lots of challenges, especially when most corporations cut budgets for training programs.

He also pointed out that the production level of the average worker in the Gulf area is around only 15 minutes a day. He added that many companies have stopped putting aside budgets for training due to the current global economic slowdown.

“We have to coach the new generation on how to lead society; we have to instill in them the fundamentals of leadership and lead by example,” he said.

The forum includes workshops that will be held at various locations over the three days.

“This forum aims to provide attendees with the tools and principal methods of effective training that is needed in organizations. The meeting includes many workshops that will provide scientific, practical and successful methods of training, and will be addressed by renowned speakers,” said Mohammed Darwish Salama, the conference’s organizer.

“The training sector needs more support, and more efforts from all levels, so that the general benefits of these programs can be felt all around,” Al-Suwaidan said, adding that the human element is the most valuable asset an organization can have.