Latest news with #SkillsWeek
CairoScene
5 days ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Saudi Skills Week Trains Youth for Future Labour Demands
Saudi Arabia launches Skills Week to align training with job market needs, offering 3 million training slots by 2028 and mapping 8,500 skills across 12 sectors. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched a week-long national campaign, 'Skills Week,' from July 13th to 19th, to equip young people with the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly changing labour market. Timed with World Youth Skills Day, the initiative promotes a 'Skills First' approach tied closely to Vision 2030 reforms. Under the Waad Training Initiative, authorities aim to deliver three million training slots by 2028 in collaboration with over 65 public and private sector partners. The Kingdom has also introduced a new Sector Skills Framework mapping more than 8,500 skills across 12 key industries. The campaign is supported by a World Bank-backed survey of 3,000 companies to identify pressing skill gaps. Officials have also launched a national skills taxonomy and volunteer mentorship platforms to reinforce lifelong learning. As part of a wider reform agenda, the government is also expanding its Skill Accelerator Programme and Professional Verification Scheme to ensure workforce competitiveness across both domestic and foreign talent. Saudi Arabia's global rankings have risen sharply, now placing 5th in ease of finding skilled labour.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia unveils 'Skills Week' to sharpen youth talent in line with labour market needs
MHRSD kicked off a week-long national campaign, 'Skills Week' (July 13–19, 2025)/Representative Image TL;DR: Saudi Arabia launches national 'Skills Week' to align youth training with labor market demands. Over 3 million training slots planned by 2028 under Phase II of Waad Initiative. 8,500+ skills mapped across 12 sectors via new Sector Skills Framework. World Bank-supported surveys and skill taxonomy tools aim to close workforce gaps. Initiative is part of broader Vision 2030 drive to boost labour productivity and reduce skills mismatch. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has kicked off a week-long national campaign 'Skills Week' (July 13–19, 2025) to elevate local talent in tune with evolving job market needs. Launched to coincide with World Youth Skills Day (July 15), the initiative emphasizes a 'Skills First' philosophy to reshape the Kingdom's labour ecosystem under Vision 2030 . National Vision & Strategic Framework Led by the newly established Skills & Training Deputyship, Skills Week underscores collaboration between government institutions and private-sector stakeholders. Operating under the national Labour Market Strategy (approved in 2020) and the National Skills Strategy, the campaign seeks to foster a sustainable skills ecosystem embedded in lifelong learning and market alignment. Flagship Initiatives & Milestones Waad Training Initiative Phase I exceeded targets, delivering 129% of planned training via collaboration with 14 private firms. Phase II aims to deliver 3 million training opportunities by 2028 through partnerships with over 65 public-private entities. Sector Skills Framework & Councils Introduced a Sector Skills Framework mapping over 8,500 technical skills across 12 priority sectors. Supported by 13 Sector Skills Councils with more than 200 industry experts, guiding curriculum and training design. Skills Survey & Taxonomy Conducted a World Bank‑backed survey covering 3,000 companies nationwide to identify skills gaps and shape training strategies. Launched the Saudi Skills Classification Taxonomy , standardizing skill definitions across professions. Waad Club & Volunteer Mentorship Introduced Waad Club, a national platform for mentoring, volunteer-led coaching, and knowledge sharing across sectors. Official Statement As per AlArabia, Dr. Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Zahrani, Deputy Minister for Skills and Training, described the programme as 'a key milestone in showcasing Saudi Arabia's progress toward a fully integrated national skills ecosystem.' He affirmed the Kingdom's intent to prepare youth capable of driving domestic transformation and competing globally in alignment with Vision 2030. Broader Reform Agenda Skill Accelerator Program : Targeting the training or retraining of over 300,000 Saudis by 2027, focusing on seven high-growth sectors through more than 3,000 national training offerings with local and global partners. Professional Verification Program : Expanded to cover over 160 countries and 1,000+ professions, verifying qualifications of foreign talent before entry to ensure quality standards in crucial sectors such as engineering, education, and healthcare. Education Reform Linkage : Aligned with the Human Capability Development Program, spanning from early education to higher learning and adult education initiatives, to close gaps between academic outcomes and labor market needs. Significant competitiveness gains have already been recorded: Saudi Arabia climbed 11 places globally in workforce training rankings (IMD), rose to 9th in labor productivity per employee, and ranked 5th in ease of finding skilled talent (INSEAD) in 2024. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Why It Matters Labour Productivity Boost : With productivity among the highest in G20 economies as mentioned in AlArabiya (4.9% increase in 2022), these reforms signal systemic impact. Reduction of Skills Mismatches : Mapping clear skill requirements across sectors helps ensure training aligns with real market demands. Youth Empowerment & Employment : The campaign directly supports Saudi youth by linking education, training, and career opportunities. Private Sector Integration : Deepening collaboration between government and industry optimises employment pipelines and workforce planning. Expat Perspective National reforms like Skills Week benefit not only Saudis but also expatriates and foreign investors: Career Alignment : Clearly defined skill frameworks mean better opportunities for professionals seeking work in Saudi mega‑projects. Transparent Standards : The Validation Programme and standardized taxonomy ensure credential visibility for foreign workers. Investment Appeal : A skilled, productive workforce enhances Saudi Arabia's attractiveness for international collaboration under Vision 2030. With Skills Week as a focal point, Saudi Arabia is confidently spearheading a shift toward a skills-first labor model. Anchored by data-driven policy making, sectoral collaboration, and technology-enabled standards, the Kingdom is accelerating its Vision 2030 goals, positioning Saudi youth, workers, and stakeholders for success in an increasingly competitive global economy. These coordinated reforms, from surveying workforce gaps to launching classification systems and accelerators, reflect a commitment to building a future-ready labor market. As the demand for talent grows in sectors like giga-projects, tourism, and technology, Skills Week stands as a benchmark initiative: aligning education with opportunity, and ambition with capability.
Al Arabiya
18-07-2025
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Skills Week drives Saudi push to upskill workforce aligning with Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia has launched 'Skills Week' to spotlight sweeping national initiatives designed to transform the Kingdom's labor market and empower youth in alignment with Vision 2030. Under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), the initiative runs from July 13-19 and is led by the newly established Skills and Training Deputyship, in collaboration with government bodies and private sector partners. The ministry celebrated 'World Youth Skills Day' on July 15 with the launch of the nationwide campaign aimed at accelerating skills development across sectors and promoting a productivity-driven labor market. This year's theme, 'skills first,' reflects the Kingdom's growing emphasis on aligning training and education with the demands of a modern workforce, the ministry said in a statement shared with Al Arabiya English. The initiative aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia's skills ecosystem and ensure alignment with market needs through a variety of targeted programs, the statement added. Dr. Ahmed bin Abdullah Alzahrani, Deputy Minister for Skills and Training, said: 'This effort supports all groups across our labor market. We are building a sustainable skills ecosystem integrated with education and training, preparing a young generation ready to drive Saudi Arabia's transformation and compete globally, in line with Vision 2030.' Flagship programs One of the flagship programs under this effort is the Waad National Training Initiative – a cornerstone of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 human capital development strategy. Originally launched to bridge the gap between education and workforce demands, Waad achieved a 129 percent overachievement in training opportunities during its first phase, collaborating with 14 private sector entities, according to the ministry. Now in its second phase, the initiative seeks to deliver three million training opportunities by 2028 through partnerships with over 65 public and private sector entities. Another key project is the Sector Skills Councils Initiative, comprising 13 councils and more than 200 industry members. The ministry has introduced the Sector Skills Framework Tool, which features over 8,500 technical skills, mapped across 12 critical sectors, and provides a strategic reference for tailoring training to industry-specific needs. Saudi Arabia's labor market strategy These efforts fall under the umbrella of Saudi Arabia's Labor Market Strategy, approved by the Council of Ministers in 2020. The strategy aims to enhance labor participation, improve productivity, and reduce unemployment rates – all of which have already contributed to a 4.9 percent increase in labor productivity in 2022, the highest among G20 economies. Further advancing this vision, the ministry launched the Skill Accelerator Program, which targets the upskilling and reskilling of over 300,000 Saudis by 2027. The program spans the top seven sectors driving GDP and employment, offering over 3,000 training programs nationwide in partnership with local and international training providers. Saudi Arabia also continues to enhance labor market quality through the 'Professional Verification Program', ensuring that skilled workers from more than 169 countries and 1,000 professions meet strict competency standards. Complementing labor market reforms further, the Kingdom is reshaping its education system through the 'Human Capability Development Program', encompassing early childhood through higher education and lifelong learning, to foster a resilient and future-ready workforce. To support the Kingdom's labor market agenda, the ministry has also introduced several institutional frameworks: 13 'Sector Skills Councils' covering sectors responsible for 85 percent of GDP and 80 percent of the workforce. A 'Job Creation Index Unit' to evaluate employment initiatives. A 'Foresight Unit' to anticipate emerging talent needs. A 'Skills System Framework' to govern implementation and ensure sustainability.
Arab News
16-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi ministry launches initiatives to build sustainable skills ecosystem
RIYADH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development marked World Youth Skills Day on July 15, highlighting the Kingdom's commitment to a skill-based labor market that enhances productivity and competitiveness. To mark the occasion, the ministry launched Skills Week, running until July 19. It is led by the newly established Skills and Training Deputyship in cooperation with public and private sector partners. The scheme aims to align education and training programs with labor market needs through several projects, including the Waad training initiative. Waad addresses gaps between education outcomes and market demands, preparing Saudi youth to compete locally and internationally. In its first phase, the initiative exceeded its targets by delivering 129 percent of planned training opportunities through 14 private companies. Its second phase aims to offer 3 million training opportunities by 2028, supported by more than 65 public and private sector partners. The ministry also introduced the Sector Skills Framework tool, which maps more than 8,500 technical skills across 12 key sectors. The tool serves as a strategic guide for developing sector-specific training programs, supported by 13 councils comprising more than 200 experts. Other initiatives highlighted during Skills Week include the launch of the Saudi Skills Classification Taxonomy to define required skills for each profession, and the release of Skills Survey findings conducted with the World Bank on more than 3,000 firms to identify workforce skill gaps. The ministry also launched Waad Club, a volunteer platform promoting mentoring and knowledge exchange. Ahmed Al-Zahrani, deputy minister for skills and training, said: 'Organizing Skills Week reflects our deep commitment to the goals of the ministry. This effort supports all groups across our labor market. 'We are building a sustainable skills ecosystem integrated with education and training, preparing a young generation ready to drive Saudi Arabia's transformation and compete globally, in line with Vision 2030.' All of the initiatives operate within the framework of Saudi Arabia's Labor Market Strategy, approved by the Council of Ministers in 2020. The strategy addresses labor market challenges and Vision 2030 goals, aiming to increase labor participation, improve market efficiency and productivity, and reduce unemployment. As a result, labor productivity rose by 4.9 percent in 2022, the highest growth among G20 economies. The ministry also leads the national skills agenda through the National Skills Strategy, which serves as the Kingdom's skills policy to guide planning, development, recognition and management. It aims to bridge the gap between supply and demand, enhance employability across all segments and promote lifelong learning. Reinforcing this commitment, the ministry launched the Skill Accelerator Program to upskill and reskill more than 300,000 Saudis by 2027. The program focuses on the top seven sectors driving gross domestic product growth and employment, offering more than 3,000 training programs nationwide in partnership with local and international providers. Through the Professional Verification Program, Saudi Arabia ensures that skilled workers from more than 169 countries, covering more than 1,000 professions, meet rigorous standards, strengthening labor market quality. The Kingdom is also reforming its education system through the Human Capability Development Program, spanning nursery to university and lifelong learning, to build a resilient educational foundation aligned with future labor demands.
Saudi Gazette
14-07-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
HR Ministry launches 'Skills Week' to empower youth and align talent with labor market needs
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development launched 'Skills Week' on Monday, in conjunction with World Youth Skills Day, under the theme 'Skills First.' The initiative reflects the ministry's ongoing efforts to develop a national skills framework, invest in Saudi human capital, and enhance the readiness of local talent to meet the demands of both domestic and global labor markets. The week-long initiative aims to spotlight national programs that enhance the efficiency, competitiveness, and productivity of Saudi Arabia's labor market while empowering youth and equipping them with the skills required to thrive. The campaign includes a range of initiatives focused on identifying and planning skill needs, aligning training efforts with labor market demand, and strengthening partnerships with the private sector. Dr. Ahmed Al-Zahrani, Assistant Minister for Skills and Training, said the launch of 'Skills Week' highlights the Kingdom's commitment to preparing its workforce for rapid labor market transformations.'This is a key milestone in showcasing Saudi Arabia's progress toward a fully integrated national skills ecosystem,' he said.'Through this initiative, we aim to drive a shift toward a skills-based economy by implementing the national skills strategy, developing a national skills framework, and ensuring education and training outcomes match current and future job market needs.'He added that the ministry will continue to advance specialized initiatives that bolster both the labor market and Saudi citizens' competitiveness at home and abroad.
