JEDDAH: Graduates of the Technical and Vocational Training Corp. (TVTC) seeking jobs represent only 1 percent of the total job seekers in the Kingdom, the TVTC said in its annual report for 2014.

According to the report, the number of TVTC graduates grew by 15 percent in the year compared to figures of the previous year.

However, the number of the TVTC job seekers registered in Hafiz program fell by 19 percent in 2014 compared to figures of 2013.

Earlier, Labor Minister Mufarraj Al-Haqaban said graduates of technical colleges are the first choice for labor market sectors to meet their professional requirements.

He said plans of the TVTC for future phases will be tailored to meet requirements of the labor market by introducing skills and technical colleges based on requirements of certain sectors with a view to enhancing national economy.

Based on the report, the rate of TVTC graduates registered in social security system increased from 38 percent in 2012 to 52 percent in 2014, which is a good indication for the increased joining of TVTC graduates to private sector companies.

During last year, the TVTC built strategic partnerships with the private sector where 21 institutes were launched jointly with business sector while five institutes are currently under construction in different parts of the Kingdom, the report said.

On the other hand, the number of students of secondary school graduates enrolled at TVTC grew by 26.4 percent. The number of applicants reached 366,186 students, of which 77,388 were admitted. The number of trainees and graduates reached 146,349 and 28,797, respectively, last year, the report said.

TVTC Gov. Ali Ghafees said the TVTC is working continuously to develop and update training programs in all areas in accordance with requirements of the labor market.