Prince Muhammad Bin Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz, Emir of the Eastern Province, recently laid the foundation stone here for the National Industrial Training Institution (NITI). The Emir thanked the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) and its partners for their efforts to establish the institution, which will be an important addition to develop qualified Saudis to work in the industrial sector. Al-Hasa Governor Badr Bin Mohammed Bin Abdullah Bin Jalawi and Minster of Labor Adel Fakieh also attended the function. During the ceremony, which was organized by Saudi Aramco and TVTC, Saudi Aramco and Saudi Electric Company signed a partnership agreement with TVTC to establish the institution, according to a Saudi Aramco press release. Ali Al-Ghufais, Governor of TVTC, expressed his gratitude to Saudi Aramco for its role in establishing the institution and for providing counsel that enabled the building of the institution according to the latest international standards. Also, Saudi Aramco had a role in the formation of the institution's vision, he added. Thousands of young Saudis are working in power stations of the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), laboratories of Saudi Aramco and SABIC, proving that Saudis are looking for opportunities to work in vocational and technical jobs, said Khalid A. Al-Falih, President and CEO of Saudi Aramco. Manufacturing is an important part of the Kingdom's development strategy, so having Saudis qualified to work in that field will be an essential foundation. This is important to the development of the Kingdom's economy, Al-Falih said. TVTC has launched many training institutions in partnership with the private sector, Al-Falih said. “This allows partnering companies to contribute directly to ensure that graduates are well qualified for the job market. It also provides opportunities for these partners to hire these new graduates. Saudi graduates will have a chance to be trained by these companies and a chance to obtain a job, thereby employing thousands in manufacturing,” he added. NITI is an independent and non-profit training school that can enroll as many as 2,000 trainees. The goal of the institution is to attract high school students for a two-year program during which the students will learn English language skills and undergo technical training. The areas in which students specialize will prepare them for jobs in the energy industry, including petrochemicals. Al-Falih said he was optimistic about the promising future for technical and vocational training in the Kingdom.
