China to train Saudis for telecom sector

RIYADH: China has signed an agreement with the Kingdom to train Saudis for the country’s telecommunications sector, as part of efforts to replace all foreigners.

According to an online report on Monday quoting Chinese diplomats, Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce would provide the training in all parts of the sector, including mobile sales, maintenance and accessories.
The Chinese diplomats lauded the Kingdom’s decision to Saudize the mobile market because “it is one of the important and vital sectors, which ensures huge monetary returns.”
Labor Minister Mofarrej Al-Haqabani had earlier called for the entire telecommunications sector to be Saudized. The ministry sent circulars to companies telling them to have 50 percent Saudi employees in three months and 100 percent in six months, ending on Sept. 2 this year.
Over 33,000 Saudi men and women have applied for training in the telecommunications industry, the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) announced here last week. Most applied for mobile maintenance, followed by sales and customer services. Most women applied to deal with mobile accessories.
The Ministry of Labor announced the new plan two weeks ago to minimize cover-up activities and ensure Saudis have sustainable employment in small, medium and large businesses. There are 20,000 jobs available for Saudis in the sector.
Candidates must be over 18 and not employed. There is a 25-hour basic course and 180-hour advanced maintenance program. Successful candidates will be awarded a certificate.
The TVTC orientation program will cover four professional and technical sectors. Others participating agencies include the ministries of commerce and industry, municipal and rural affairs, and communications and technology. The Human Resources Development Fund and General Organization for Social Insurance will also be involved.