JEDDAH — Saudi Telecommunications Company (STC) and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) has partnered with Ericsson to establish a center of excellence in KFUPM with the aim of preparing Saudi nationals for careers in telecommunications at STC. The initiative focuses on the development of competencies and the training of KFUPM students, specifically for the technologies that support STC business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This will enhance both the presence and quality of Saudi national employees, as well as enable STC to achieve its nationalization quotas, while empowering students through education and fulfilling the demand for high-caliber candidates in the Saudi market. Students will benefit from Ericsson's Research and Development graduate program and new technology trends, and selected Saudi students will partake in R&D mentorship. In addition, Ericsson will create professional training programs in wireless communications and business support systems (BSS) including the use of test labs, dummy nodes, and end-to-end setup for features and product tests. Abdullah Alzmame, Network VP at STC, said: “This strategic partnership will enable us to continue providing the highest standards of communications services by ensuring that our graduates have the best training in the most recent and innovative technologies in the market, thus preparing them for a great future in the telecommunications industry.” Dr. Sahel N. Abduljauwad, Vice Rector for Research, KFUPM, said “the university is happy to embrace such outstanding initiatives which help boost the student's competence as well as give them a unique chance to practice the theoretical academic in reality.” Ali Eid, Head of CU KSA, said: “Ericsson supports the KSA's nationalization initiatives by fostering a knowledge-based economy in Saudi Arabia. Through this initiative, we are able to contribute to the future of ICT through our R&D collaboration with KFUPM and STC. We hope that by establishing this center we are able to provide our partner, STC with well-rounded and informed individuals who will foster the growth of their network evolution.” Ericsson's R&D graduate program offers graduates who are passionate about innovation within ICT the training and tools to develop a deep, specialized knowledge in their area of interest, through a unique 18-month global experience. — SG
