Training and development: a strategic pillar for qualifying human resources and enhancing performance in the Saudi market.
Training and development are among the most important strategic tools organizations rely on to raise employee efficiency and enhance their ability to adapt to the challenges and ongoing changes in the workplace.
In light of the increasing competitiveness of the Saudi labor market, investing in human capital development has become a key factor in achieving institutional excellence and enhancing operational performance, in line with the aspirations of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 for a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.
What is training and development?
Training and development are two complementary processes that aim to raise the efficiency of individuals and enhance their skills and knowledge to meet the requirements of their current and future jobs.
- Training: Focuses on developing the technical and behavioral skills necessary to perform current job duties efficiently and professionally.
- Development: It seeks to build the employee’s future capabilities by preparing them to assume greater responsibilities and prepare them to assume leadership and management roles.
Training and development methods vary to include:
- On-the-job training
- Specialized courses
- Practical workshops
- E-learning
- Participation in professional conferences and forums
The importance of training and development in the Saudi market
Training and development are essential pillars for supporting the competitiveness of the labor market in the Kingdom and enhancing the efficiency of human resources. The importance of these processes lies in the following points:
- Raising the efficiency of national human resources by qualifying them to work effectively in various sectors, which contributes to improving performance and increasing professional readiness.
- Bridging skills gaps by developing the technical and behavioral skills required to keep pace with the ever-changing labor market.
- Enhancing corporate productivity, as trained employees perform their tasks more efficiently, which is reflected in the quality of performance and the effectiveness of operational processes.
- Reducing employee turnover by investing in training and development, which enhances employees’ sense of value within the organization and increases their loyalty.
- Achieving the strategic objectives of institutions by preparing cadres to assume broader tasks and greater responsibilities in the future.
- Empowering national competencies in vital sectors by preparing qualified Saudis to work in fields such as oil and gas, information technology, and logistics.
Challenges associated with training and development
Despite the importance of training and development in enhancing human resource efficiency and achieving organizational goals, many organizations face challenges that impact the effective implementation of these programs, the most prominent of which are:
- Poor alignment between programs and actual business needs, as training is not designed based on a thorough analysis of performance gaps.
- Limited budgets for training, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises, limit the opportunity to implement advanced and continuous programs.
- The weak culture of learning and self-development among some employees limits engagement with training programs and affects their outcomes.
- The absence of a clear and effective evaluation system to measure the impact of training on employee performance and the organization as a whole.
- The scarcity of qualified trainers in some specific specializations leads to poor quality training content and limited benefits.
The role of the Saudi Attakal Group in training and development
The Saudi Etkal Group plays an active role in supporting and empowering companies in the areas of training and development by offering integrated strategic solutions aimed at enhancing the efficiency of human resources and achieving corporate goals. Its most prominent initiatives include:
- Analyzing performance gaps and designing training programs tailored to each client's needs based on the nature of the sector and operational challenges.
- Providing specialized courses in various fields, including facilities management, logistics, oil and gas, information technology, and hospitality, ensuring the development of specialized skills that meet the requirements of the Saudi market.
- Providing practical and field training that focuses on the practical aspect to ensure rapid integration into the work environment and enhance professional readiness.
- Empowering national competencies through vocational training programs that keep pace with Saudization targets and support the empowerment of Saudis in vital sectors.
- Empowering national competencies through vocational training programs that keep pace with Saudization targets and support the empowerment of Saudis in vital sectors.
Through these initiatives, Etkal Group affirms its commitment to supporting human capital development and contributing to building a qualified workforce that keeps pace with the aspirations of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The added value provided by Atkal
The Saudi Etkal Group offers real added value in the field of training and development through specialized solutions that keep pace with labor market developments and support human resources strategies. This value includes the following:
- Designing customized training programs based on a deep understanding of each sector’s requirements to ensure that training aligns with operational needs.
- Effectively contributing to raising the level of Emiratisation by qualifying national cadres with high efficiency, enabling them to assume specialized positions in various fields.
- Enhancing employees’ readiness for current and future labor market requirements by developing their technical and behavioral skills.
- Providing certified trainers and experts with world-class practical experience and professional knowledge to ensure the quality and effectiveness of training.
- Providing flexible training solutions that include in-person and online programs to support diverse learning methods and expand the scope of learning.
Through this approach, Etkal contributes to building a more professional and stable work environment, enhancing the competitiveness of institutions and achieving their strategic goals.
Conclusion
Training and development are essential foundations for building successful and sustainable organizations. In light of the major transformations taking place in the Saudi economy, investing in the development of national talent has become a strategic necessity that cannot be ignored.
The Saudi Etkal Group plays a significant role in this context, providing integrated training solutions focused on enhancing employee efficiency and achieving corporate goals.
Thus, Etkal continues its role as a strategic partner in empowering national capabilities and enhancing their readiness for future requirements, in line with the goals of the national transformation and achieving the highest levels of sustainability and competitiveness in the Saudi market.

