The National Skills and Training Initiative "Wa’ad", launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in 2023, has achieved remarkable results that demonstrate the significant efforts made to support Saudi Vision 2030. The initiative has witnessed the establishment of training agreements and memoranda of understanding with the private sector, successfully achieving its targets in its first edition.
The first edition was distinguished by remarkable achievements, including the creation of extensive training opportunities. More than 1,155,000 training opportunities were provided through collaboration with 14 leading national training companies: SABIC, STC, National Commercial Bank, Walaa Cooperative Insurance Company, Saudi Electricity Company, Almarai, Nesma Saudi Company and Partners, Abdulmohsen Al Hokair Group for Tourism and Development, Aqwat, McDonald's Saudi Arabia, Zain Saudi Arabia, Al Rabie, Abdullah Al Othaim Investments Company, and Mobily. These companies aim to develop the skills of Saudi men and women to empower them in various fields. Additionally, leading private sector entities were attracted to invest in human capital, and the economy was strengthened through the development and training of the workforce. The regional forums were activated, with the first edition launched in Arar, then Dhahran, Jeddah, and Jazan, and the campaign achieved success by more than 112% of the goals set during the first phase.
The “Wa'ed” initiative aimed to achieve an ambitious set of objectives focused on fostering a culture of training and developing competencies within the Saudi labor market. The campaign sought to raise awareness of the importance of training as a fundamental element in supporting private sector establishments and enhancing their competitiveness. Additionally, it aimed to strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors through strategic partnerships aimed at achieving sustainable development. The initiative succeeded in elevating the skills and productivity of employees, contributing to improved performance in the labor market. Furthermore, the campaign highlighted successful experiences in the private sector as inspiring models that reflect the impact of training on enhancing efficiency and promoting economic growth.
The first edition of the initiative had several eligibility criteria. Among these was the requirement for the establishment to be classified as "green zone" under the Nitaqat program, reflecting its commitment to employing Saudi nationals. Additionally, the establishment was required to train more than 12% of its Saudi employees annually, to have a market experience of three years or more, and to possess diverse training programs and effective policies that enhance training efficiency. Furthermore, the establishment was required to demonstrate its readiness and capacity to train more than 50,000 Saudi citizens by 2025.
It is noteworthy that the first edition of the Skills and Training Forum "Wa'ed" is part of the great transformation taking place in the Kingdom within the framework of Vision 2030, which places the Saudi person at the heart of development plans, believing that education and training are the basis for building a sustainable and diversified economy.