The Human Resources Development Fund has signed a support and training agreement with the National Maritime Academy, aiming to empower and qualify national cadres in specialized maritime fields and enhance job localization in the maritime transport and industrial sectors. 

The agreement was signed by the Director General of the Fund, Mr. Turki bin Abdullah Al-Jaawini, and the Executive Director of the Academy, Captain Turki bin Mohammed Al-Shihri. 

This agreement aligns with the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Public Transport Authority, and the Human Resources Development Fund to train the national workforce, equipping them with specialized skills and competencies for maritime jobs, boosting sector competitiveness, and maximizing economic impact, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. 

The agreement stipulates HRDF's contribution to covering training costs and trainee allowances as per the approved mechanism for supporting the training and qualification of national cadres, providing them with the necessary skills to work in shipbuilding and repair, navigation, marine engineering, and other maritime services. 

The agreement targets the training and qualification of 570 trainees to work in the sector, with support funding reaching up to 174 million SAR. It also emphasizes a commitment to implementing programs that ensure quality and achieve objectives. A joint task force will be formed by both parties to monitor the implementation of the agreement’s provisions, holding periodic meetings according to developments and work requirements.