RIYADH: A study has called for bridging the gap between skills training and the needs of the labor market. The study conducted by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) based in Riyadh said publishing more commercial magazines and organizing cultural programs will also help improve understanding between the needs of small industries the job opportunities for the national workforce. The 2010 TVTC Annual Achievement Report said a field study on “Job opportunities at Small Establishments” helped decision-makers with data and information that revealed reasons behind the success and failure of small-scall businesses. “One of the main objectives of TVTC is to support, fund, and encourage research studies that are aimed at improving the performance and productivity of national workforce,” said the TVTC Report 2010. Secondly, the objective is also to publish scientific research studies in technical and vocational fields. Other TVTC research projects include e-learning, training for deaf, creative thinking and development of skills. The report says work is underway on projects such as preparing Integrated Systems for Quality in the Corporation's Training Units and Training Support Departments, Improving the Training Standards and Plans for the English Courses at Technical Colleges. The basic purpose of teaching English language is to acquaint the trainees with terminologies related with technical specifications and related purposes. English language training is aimed at setting general standards for teaching English as second language that match similar standards in countries like Canada, Australia and Qatar. “It is also aimed at determining the students' level of understanding after each standard. English language training seeks to achieve desirable results in a short time possible and enable the trainee to communicate in English while on the job,” says the report. The TVTC is also studying the effectiveness of English language curriculum introduced at Madina College of Tourism. The study's aim is to make a comparative data and to know what suits the job market requirements. When it comes to jobs in the tourism industry, the study would evaluate the need and the English language proficiency of the job-seeker. There has been another study aimed at recognizing the current trend in the job market and the vocational capabilities that it needs.
