Saudi Arabia is witnessing the launch of giant projects in renewable energy, leading to competition within the private sector to attract national talent specialized in this field, according to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Polytechnic Institute for Renewable Energy (SPIRE), Engineer Majid Al-Refai.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Refai revealed that the Saudi government, represented by the Human Resources Development Fund, was supporting efforts to train cadres in renewable energy, by covering 75 percent of citizens’ wages during the training period, within a dedicated program.
According to Refai, the program, which is being implemented in cooperation with SPIRE, has become a highlight of the private sector’s initiative to qualify and empower Saudi talent in the renewable energy sector, noting that the institute holds regular meetings with private sector companies to meet their needs for trainees in this field.
Refai noted that SPIRE has recently signed five contracts with companies from the private sector to train one hundred people to obtain a diploma in renewable energy.
Those constitute the first batch of the program, he said, adding that 80 percent of applicants will focus on the solar energy sector, which includes various specializations such as quality, maintenance, and operation, while the remaining 20 percent will specialize in wind energy.
The head of SPIRE revealed that the institute’s facilities would be completed and equipped within a period of two years, to be able to accommodate approximately 3,000 trainees.
He also pointed to agreements with Saudi universities that aim to spread awareness about renewable energy, saying the ongoing steps will make the SPIRE Institute a pioneer in the world, and will promote cooperation with various academic bodies inside and outside the Kingdom.
