The Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) is offering training courses for Saudi women to prepare them for jobs at lingerie and other shops around the country, said Engineer Ali Al-Ghafees, Governor of the TVTC. Al-Ghafees made the announcement recently at the graduation ceremony of 336 trainees of the High Institute for Plastic Industries, on behalf of Engineer Adel Faqih, Minister of Labor. He said the training programs are aimed specifically at ensuring that lingerie shops are staffed by women. The three-month training programs are for various jobs, including cashiers, saleswomen and marketers. There are 40 institutes of technology for girls and women in the country, he said. Al-Ghafees said that the TVTC would increase the number of strategic partnerships from 20 to 40 during the coming period in all regions of the Kingdom. The partnerships are aimed at providing jobs for Saudi youths at factories and companies. He said the TVTC was trying to help students overcome difficulties after graduation. He added that he was monitoring the number of dropouts. He said the Nitaqat Program – the government's new Saudization drive – has seen a number of companies seeking TVTC graduates in specialties such as electricity, carpentry, plumbing, cooling and air-conditioning. The demand has doubled and there was greater competition in the labor market. He added that the TVTC's institutes have been inundated with applications for training. Al-Ghafees said the salaries of Saudi nationals are determined by the labor market. While the Human Resources Development Fund contributes to the salaries, he urged Saudi youths to work hard and be disciplined to realize their goals. Al-Ghafees said the TVTC is working increasingly with the private sector. He said private companies in the plastics industry are keen to employ TVTC trainees. A total of 500 trainees have been employed at 60 big plastics companies in the Kingdom. Hisham Al-Quraish, spokesman of the companies employing graduates, said factory managers have a high regard for the TVTC's quality education. __
