JEDDAH – The National Commercial Bank launched a new specialized training program under the name Information Technology Academy Program (ITAP) aimed at attracting young Saudi talents in the IT field and preparing them to undertake work responsibilities in financial IT services. Designed in collaboration with Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Tamkeen, the program extends over a period of 23 weeks of extensive training, during which participants are trained in a wide spectrum of technical and non-technical skills that bridge the gap between academic education and business practice and pave the way for the smooth integration of fresh talents in the business-as-usual work life of the IT division in NCB. Commenting on the graduation of the first ITAP class, Saud Sabban, Executive Vice President and Head of the Human Resources division, said “ITAP is yet another manifestation of the importance that NCB places on developing and enabling national talents in all disciplines and fields of work in the Bank, of which Information Technology is considered the backbone in today's modern financial services industry.” He added “the program translates the Bank's vision in supporting Saudization, and is considered a very important investment in the Services Sector's people development strategy. It is a constituent part of an overarching development plan that aims at helping our Services Sector secure supply of talents and resources needed for our growth now and in the future, while continuing to support NCB's Saudization rates. This is done by identifying and recruiting highly qualified talents of young Saudi men and women, who are then prepared and enabled to contribute effectively to our leading position and competitiveness.” Saleh Saleh, Head of ITAP and IT Portfolio Management Office in NCB, said in his turn that “Information Technology is a very dynamic and demanding field of work, and the demand on national talents in this field is increasing exponentially. ITAP program was designed with this mind to help us attract the best local talents.” — SG
