National Industrial Training Institute

Objective

To provide best-in-class technical training to prepare a skilled and competent workforce for hydrocarbon-related industries through accredited, benchmarked programmes and on-the-job training.

Overview and Main Activities

The National Industrial Training Institute (NITI) is a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and the Technical & Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), in accordance with a signed memorandum of understanding in 2009, sustained by an agreement in 2011. NITI is a not-for-profit training institution directed by an independent board of trustees that was established to train and qualify young Saudis to meet current and future workforce requirements in the oil, gas, chemical and related energy industries in Saudi Arabia. The institute aims to contribute to community growth, help reduce unemployment and support Saudization efforts. It will be financially supported by primary stakeholders who have the right to become NITI board of trustee members. NITI offers training programmes designed to meet the growing demand for a national workforce in the oil, gas, chemical and related energy industries.

NITI’s differentiating factors include:

• Chemical training, which is new to the market
• Globally accredited training programmes
• Blended interactive learning and smart classrooms
• Technology-based training solutions

The NITI Apprenticeship Training Programme model comprises:

• A maximum two-year programme for high school and vocational college graduates
• Phase one of training, devoted to a preparatory programme (English, mathematics and science)
• Phase two, dedicated to job skills training
• On-the-job training, conducted at the sponsoring companies’ sites in coordination with NITI
• Entry-level jobs with their sponsoring companies offered to candidates upon successful completion of the programme

Programme disciplines include chemical operator, instrument repairman (process control systems technician), telecommunications technician, maintenance electrician, electric systems operator, maintenance machinist, pipefitter/fabricator, AC serviceman, welder, crane operator, operator (oil/gas), lab technician, loss prevention technician, and other industry-related jobs.

Success Factors and Challenges

Most critical success factors:

• Financial and technical support provided by founding and primary stakeholders
• The initiative’s strategic alignment with organizational priorities

Main challenges:

• Securing additional stakeholders
• Maintaining the quality of training programmes

Replicability and Scalability

How easily could other organizations implement this initiative?
Difficult: This initiative was the first of its kind in the Middle East and was highly capital-intensive in the beginning. With clear goals and stakeholder support, this initiative could be implemented successfully in other organizations.

How easily can this initiative be expanded to include a larger number of participants?
Difficult: The plan is to increase capacity by 50% during the business plan period.

About the Organization

Website: www.saudiaramco.com
Sector: Oil and Gas
Size (number of employees): 50,000 – 100,000
Headquarters: Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

For Further Engagement

Contact name: Saad A. Shahrani
Contact position: Project Manager
Email: [email protected]