RIYADH: Ibrahim Hodani, 26, earns SR7,000 per month working as a plumber. He enjoys his job and frequently attends workshops at the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training to improve his skills.

Despite his good salary, however, Hodani says he gets looks of “disgust” from some members of the community, who look down on his job. “It’s as though what I’m doing is an act of evil forbidden by God and His Messenger (peace be upon him)!”

He explained that he faced a great deal of criticism but it did not deter him, as the job is honorable and provides a decent living.

"We seek to earn our livelihood and we will work to do a good job and support the economy of our beloved country,” Hodani said.

Regardless of the criticism, Hodani says his work makes him and his colleagues feel proud as they work on various jobs, including managing several sites and working on plumbing in both private and government sectors.

“Several of our colleagues are young married men, and they want the profession to be appreciated in the future and expanded to meet national job requirements,” said Hodani. He noted that wives of men working as plumbers feel proud that their husbands are working and seeking to provide a better future.

Ibrahim Al-Shareefa says he applied for a job, took the national professional examination, and was accepted and hired with a good salary in only 27 days. He praised the support of the Ministry of Labor and supporting organizations in setting up programs, training, and professional development in all fields.