JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Human Resources Development Fund has supported the employment of 151,000 citizens in the industrial and mining sectors since 2020, backed by more than SR1 billion ($266.6 million) in training-to-employment programs.
The state-backed fund, known as HRDF, said it signed 24 specialized training agreements over the period, targeting more than 9,400 Saudis, as the Kingdom accelerates workforce development in strategic and high-value sectors.
The initiative aligns with the National Industrial Strategy — launched under Vision 2030 — which focuses on developing key industries, integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices, and strengthening cooperation with the private sector.
The strategy aims to lift manufacturing gross domestic product to SR895 billion and create 2.1 million jobs by 2030, while expanding local production and high-tech exports.
In its latest release, HRDF stated: “The employment retention rate among HRDF-supported beneficiaries in the sector has now reached 80 percent.”
