Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Ali Al-Naimi has pledged to increase the number of technical training centers for mining.

He was speaking at the graduation ceremony of the first group of 159 trainees from the Saudi Mining Polytechnic in Arar.

He encouraged Saudi youth to take advantage of the institutes that are run jointly by the ministry and the Technical and Vocational Training Corp. (TVTC).

The Saudi Mining Polytechnic provides technical training to qualify youth for employment in various sectors which are under ministry supervision.

In his statement on the strategic partnership program with the TVTC, the minister said: “What you are seeing today are the fruits of this partnership, which will be expanded eventually. This is a good start for the Saudi Mining Polytechnic and, in the coming years, you will see more institutes not only in Arar, but also in other areas of the Kingdom.”

Addressing the graduates, he said they had promising futures. “The final result is in your hands. What you have achieved so far is a certificate that bring you to another level in a distinguished career that will not be possible without your dedication to work.”

He advised them to take their responsibilities seriously through further learning and training in order to deliver quality in performance at the professional level.

“The Saudi Mining Polytechnic enjoys constant support by TVTC and Maa’den company by providing it with the latest technology to help the trainees acquire the necessary skills that will enable them to work as full professionals in the field,” Al-Naimi said.

The course provides six training classes for two years, in addition to workplace training for a period of six months. At the end of their training, they receive an apprentice diploma in mining. In addition, English language training that provides them with the highest international technical standard is also given.

This comes in line with the TVTC vision of training programs and delivery of high quality to meet the needs of the mining industry.

The institute offers diplomas in three disciplines — underground mining, surface mining and operations. Students are also taught safety, environmental issues, information technology and work culture.