JEDDAH — SAUDI Aramco recently hosted the National Information Technology Academy’s executive forum in Dhahran, where participants discussed ways to develop human capital in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector and leverage the role of the academy. The forum was hosted by Yousef Al-Ulyan, Saudi Aramco’s vice president of information technology and chairman of the academy, who delivered the forum’s opening speech. In addition, Nabil Al-Dabal, general manager of training and development, participated in the forum’s panel discussion.

The National IT Academy is a not-for-profit organization, which was established by the academy’s founding stakeholders, Saudi Aramco, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), and Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC). The forum was attended by executives from the academy, and delegates from the founding stakeholders, partnering companies and organizations.

“The National Information Technology Academy aims at equipping Saudi males and females with the required ICT skills through advanced and accelerated training and certification programs to bridge the skills gap in the market and to develop ‘job-ready’ talent pool,” said Al-Ulyan. “This is in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and its strategic objectives to equip Saudi youth with the required skills for jobs of the future, create sustainable job opportunities, and increase female participation in the workforce.” he added.

Al-Ulyan said that Saudis make no more than 40% of the total ICT workforce, despite the steady supply of Saudi ICT graduates from vocational institutes and universities in Saudi Arabia and abroad, a fact that presents great opportunities for skilled and trained Saudis.

Al-Ulyan participated in signing a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with key partners to support the National IT Academy. The MOUs were signed between the National IT Academy and Saudi Telecom Company, Al Abdulkarim Holding, Cisco Systems, Huawei, HPE, Wipro, and Baker Hughes, a GE Company. — SG