HRSD launches National Skills Platform to empower workforce: Minister

Ahmad AlRajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), launched the National Skills Platform, designed to empower workforce by equipping national talents with essential skills.

The platform aims to train over 300,000 individuals in strategic sectors including energy, healthcare, financial services, and retail. This will be achieved through a comprehensive learning journey and flexible training models that combine digital and hands-on learning, in collaboration with the Human Capability Development Program.

AlRajhi explained that the platform leverages artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to classify skills and guide individuals toward training paths that align with market needs, affirming that it serves as a strategic tool for empowering national cadres.

He emphasized that upskilling and reskilling the workforce is a national priority in which all stakeholders must participate in attaining.

He added that efforts are underway to expand and enrich the talent pool by enhancing labor mobility, stating that the local labor market must embrace innovation and proactively define market policies ahead of more potential changes.

AlRajhi underscored the need for inclusivity by ensuring job opportunities for all through training, education, and employment regardless of location, gender, or socioeconomic background.

He also highlighted the importance of collaborating with companies, institutions, and schools to develop talent that is both agile and competitive.

Sectors are rapidly evolving, and by 2030, many jobs will face a shortage of skilled workers. More than 92 million jobs are expected to become obsolete due to technological disruption, as automation and AI will become the operational reality across industries, according to AlRajhi.

The minister stressed that developing human capital is a fundamental pillar for achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

He noted that the Kingdom relies on three key pillars to develop the local labor market: flexible policies, inclusive opportunities, and integration between government, private, and academic sectors, to adeptly address global changes and the accelerating pace of transformation in work environments.