The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development launched today, Tuesday, November 7, 2023, in Riyadh, 'Sectoral Skills Councils in the Kingdom.' The initiative aims to activate 12 sectoral skill councils, with the presence of His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Abu Thanein, Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor, along with dignitaries, ministry undersecretaries, board chairmen, and executive leaders from relevant government entities in the sectors. Also present were representatives from private sector human resources, the National Committee for Labor Committees, and the Saudi Chambers of Commerce concerned with the sectors.

In his speech on this occasion, His Excellency Abu Thanein emphasized the unlimited support from the wise leadership for the human resources and social development system. The goal is to provide more training opportunities and develop future skills for the sons and daughters of the nation, increasing their participation in the job market.

The launching of 12 sectoral skills councils across the Kingdom in various sectors is a significant step, reflecting the Ministry's belief in the crucial role of the private sector in training. It is also a crucial move in realizing our collective ambitions to build a comprehensive and responsive skills system aligned with the needs of sectors and the labor market. One of its clear advantages is the increase in employment rates, enhancement of worker productivity, and the provision of valuable feedback for policymakers, education and training service providers to support adapting to the needs and changes in the job market.

The multiple benefits of these councils will contribute to influencing policies related to skills, allowing employers the opportunity to provide input on education and training curricula. Moreover, they will assist in improving employee retention rates and boosting productivity. Minister Abu Thunain emphasized that the role of these sectoral councils will be collaborative, involving stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as education and training institutions, in identifying visions, goals, and programs for skills development. These councils will determine the skills needed by sectors in the Kingdom both currently and in the future, establishing frameworks for sector-specific skills and professional standards. They will also provide recommendations for necessary changes in skill development through policies, education, training, accreditation, licensing, and funding.

The Deputy Minister for Skills and Training, Dr. Ahmed Al-Zahrani, highlighted the significant changes in the future of jobs and the importance of focusing on skills as a key driver of economic growth. He noted that the ministry aims to cover 2000 skills and establish and develop standards for 300 sectoral professions and career paths by the year 2025. Emphasizing that skill development is a strategic priority for the Kingdom and a key enabler in achieving the vision of Saudi Arabia 2030.

The initiative of sectoral skills councils aims to design and activate an interconnected network of councils for key economic sectors that impact the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These sectors include wholesale and retail trade, culture and entertainment, construction and real estate activities, health, professional services, logistics and transportation services, security services, digital sector, financial services and insurance, tourism and hospitality, energy and public utilities, and the manufacturing sector.

The launch of the initiative of sectoral skills councils is part of the labor market strategy approved by the Cabinet Decision No. 254 dated 23/4/1442 AH (08/12/2020 AD). The strategy aims to improve the productivity and performance of the workforce, creating an attractive job market for local and international talents. It is one of the most important initiatives designed to establish a sustainable mechanism and partnership with government entities, the private sector, education and training institutions, and relevant stakeholders to plan sectoral skills. The goal is to identify and meet the sector's skill needs, establish partnerships, and build a sustainable working model.

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