PROCTER & Gamble (P&G) has committed itself to supporting INJAZ Saudi Arabia’s ‘Steer Your Career’ program, which aims to teach Saudi students at universities around the Kingdom the basic skills needed to succeed in the corporate world. The agreement includes one year of funding for over 10,000 hours of training, teaching and volunteering across participating universities in several Saudi cities, including Jeddah, Riyadh and Jubail. The aim is to empower hundreds of young Saudis with a range of skills that will lead to them landing career-defining jobs in the private sector.

Developed in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Education and several education providers, INJAZ Saudi Arabia’s the ‘Steer Your Career’ program is designed to engage students interactively and support them in developing skills in six key areas: leadership; time management; communication; problem-solving; team dynamics, and employability skills. Participating universities include Jeddah’s Dar Al Hikma and Effat Universities, Riyadh’s Prince Noura University, Jubail Industrial College, Tibah University in Madinah, and Yanbu Industrial College.

“We believe in the ability and talent of Saudi youth,” explained Hani Ismail, Saudi Arabia country manager at Procter & Gamble. “Investing in developing the skills and providing work readiness training through this agreement with INJAZ Saudi Arabia is part of our wider commitment to supporting the country’s Saudi Vision 2030. We want to promote the private sector as a long-term career option to young Saudis, and we want to help them become ready for joining firms like Procter & Gamble. Everyone benefits through education and capability building, and we’re looking forward to the launch of the P&G INJAZ ‘Steer Your Career’ program.”

P&G employees will also volunteer their time to deliver the program in the classroom. The company, which employs 900 people in the Kingdom, has a track record of developing local talent; 70% of the company’s in-country workforce is local, and 50% of the company’s management are Saudi nationals. Many of P&G Saudi’s leadership joined the company as graduate interns, including Ismail. INJAZ Saudi Arabia is a member of Junior Achievements Worldwide and is working with its regional organization INJAZ Al Arab to promote youth education and empowerment in the Arab World under the three pillars of workforce readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Over 450,000 students have participated in hand-on trainings provided by INJAZ Saudi Arabia over the last 10 years since its founding in 2007.

“INJAZ believes in the boundless potential of Saudi youth and is determined towards bringing a lasting change in their lives through the power of knowledge and exposure,” said Abdulkareem Abu al-Nasr, founder and Chairman of INJAZ Saudi Arabia. “It brings globally recognized and tested programs to enhance the learning experience of Saudi youth and better equip them for an empowered economic future.” — SG