Saudi Gazette report

BURAIDAH — The Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf) and Qassim Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an agreement on Saturday to train 5,000 Saudis to work in shopping centers, Makkah newspaper reported.

The agreement was signed by Sami Al-Shinabir, deputy general manager of the fund, and Bandar Al-Samaani, chairman of Qassim Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The agreement comes in line with the goals of saudizing shopping center jobs in Qassim province.

Employment is open for both genders and prospective candidates will be trained in such jobs as merchandizing manager, merchandizing supervisor, cashier, sales expert, inventory manager and accountant.

The fund offers a number of supporting services for establishments and jobseekers by posting job offers on www.taqat.sa. The fund also helps establishments in paying the salary of Saudis, offers training and encourages investors in small and medium enterprises. The fund devises training programs taking job market demands into account.

Hadaf seeks to provide qualified manpower to work in the private sector by funding training programs that fit the needs of the labor market besides carrying out studies to address the barriers to employment of Saudi nationals.

The fund recently announced that it would cover, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, up to 80 percent of transportation costs for Saudi working women.

It set the maximum ceiling of transport expenses to be paid at SR800. Under the project, which will continue for 18 months, every working woman will contribute a fixed monthly amount of SR200 to the program.

According to Hadaf, the project will be implemented with the cooperation of private cab operators.