SADAFCO partners with HIWPT to empower young Saudi Arabian nationals

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: December 5th 2021 – Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Company (SADAFCO) has extended its agreement with the Higher Institute of Water & Power Technologies (HIWPT), a vocational training institute in Rabigh to welcome the fifth group of technical trainees.

Developed and conducted in partnership with the HIWPT, the training program empowers young Saudi Arabians by teaching them skills in the fields of maintenance and operation for a job within SADAFCO after successfully completing the training.

Tariq Al-Shamrani, Executive Managing Director, HIWPT said, “We are pleased to cooperate with SADAFCO on this important initiative, which equips ambitious young Saudi Arabians with a range of mechanical, electrical and personal behavioral skills that meet the requirements of the country’s labor market, in particular SADAFCO’s requirements” Al-Shamrani added, “This program is aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which sets out an exciting long-term plan to achieve high levels of self-sufficiency in vital sectors such as food production. In order to realize this vision, the development of a thriving manufacturing sector, staffed by highly skilled Saudi Arabian nationals, is essential.”

Last year, nine trainees graduated from the fourth round of the program. All were immediately employed by SADAFCO after graduation. The program began in 2017, as part of SADAFCO’s Corporate Social Responsibility a strategic initiative to arm Saudi Arabian youth with the necessary skills required across mechanical, electrical and refrigeration disciplines. To date, 47 young nationals successfully completed the program, 9 are still understudy and 33 currently holding permanent positions across SADAFCO’s different facilities.

Talal Al-Nounou, Manager – Human Resources, Government and Public Relations, SADAFCO said, “Through our collaboration with HIWPT, we are honored to contribute to the development and enhancement of skills of trainees who will play a key role in driving economic growth across the country.”

“The program has played a key role in enriching human capital in the country and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership with the Higher Institute for Water and Power Technologies.” concluded Al-Nounou.

As an organization, and conscious corporate citizen dedicated to skill development and economic growth of Saudi Arabia, SADAFCO prioritizes investment in the youth of the Kingdom. The company’s Training & development Department works closely with strategic partners encouraging employees to take responsibility for their own development, helping them upgrade their skills as part of their Individual Development Plans (IDPs).

During the last financial year, when in-person training became challenging, most of the company’s planned programs successfully migrated to online. A total of 597 employees underwent various training programs (down only slightly from 637 the previous year), of which 74% completed training sessions online. The trainees were able to immediately support operations during the pandemic and be of significant assistance to the company.