Job training for high school students launched

JEDDAH: Several technical colleges and industrial colleges in the Eastern Province recently held training programs for high school students to prepare them for the job market, including in computer networking, photography, sewing, hairdressing and cosmetics.
This is part of the “Learning and Employment” initiative supported by the education and labor ministries, the Human Resources Development Fund, and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation.
About 1,149 students benefited from the training program, which is based on the curriculum of global companies including CISCO, one of the first firms to sell computer networking equipment, according to a report in a local publication recently.
Wahab Al-Dubaisi, a trainer in photography, said the students showed a high level of aptitude in theory and application. They were taught several technical aspects of using cameras and other photography equipment.
Ali Al-Bahrani, a local networks trainer, said the training was modeled on that developed by multinational companies. “For a more holistic curriculum the subject matter was divided into theoretical and practical sections to demonstrate and explain the basic concepts of computers and networks,” said Al-Bahrani.
Meanwhile, the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has said that it will seek to hire Turkish women to train Saudi women in knitting, sewing, photography and hospitality.
In a separate development, 55 productive families in Makkah are taking part in a five-day exhibition in the city to display their products, which started on Sunday at the MCCI headquarters.
Their products on display included embroidery and knitting, garments, perfumes, accessories and food. The female participants provided explanations on their manufacturing processes.
Abdullah Al-Ghalib, secretary-general of the MCCI, said in a press statement that the chamber’s slogan for this year was “Made in Makkah,” which would help these families to sell their products to international customers. Their products are available on alibaba.com.
The event was held in cooperation with the Fatima Al-Zahra Center at the MCCI, said Al-Ghalib, who added that there are plans to set up an academy with Turkish professionals to provide training for men and women.