ABB kicks off annual trainee program in Saudi Arabia

ABB in Saudi Arabia is conducting a co-op training program for students from King Abdulaziz University and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. Established as part of a memorandum of understanding between ABB and the top-ranking Saudi Arabian universities, the program will help fulfill the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

The comprehensive on-the-job program will enroll more than 120 students annually in a 25-week course. Currently, four candidates have begun their training program with Energy Industries. They will participate in a variety of classes that teach them about innovative technology and key values that are central to ABB and the division.

“The training will enhance the students’ engineering skill sets apart from their technical academic studies and provide hands-on experience with industrial applications. The co-op program will also provide the best platform for the young engineers to boost their management and personal development skills,” said Srinivas Buddiga, Local Product Group Manager, Service and Digitalization for PAEN Saudi Arabia, ABB.

A solid foundation

During the training program, students receive an introduction to process industries and learn about the structure and operations of each division. They are also educated on the basics of process control systems, including motors, drives, instrumentation and electrification products. On-the-job training and site visits give the students hands-on engineering experience, while other courses are designed to develop soft skills, such as interpersonal communication.

“By the end of the course, the students will have a good understanding of process control systems and be able to present their learnings to ABB and their respective universities. After graduation, they will be prepared to work within any industry in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, based on student interest and assessments, they will be given the opportunity to continue their career with ABB,” noted Sultan Alhomeidani, Talent Acquisition & Talent Advancement Manager, ABB.

Strengthening local talent

As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Kingdom aims to build a thriving economy with abundant job opportunities through the education of local scholars.

“This is a unique opportunity that demonstrates ABB’s partnership with the Kingdom to support Vision 2030 by investing in the core of the vision, which aims to develop the talents of young Saudis. The trainees are very excited to be part of the Energy Industries team as they learn about control systems and our diverse portfolio, while at the same time delivering tasks assigned to them as part of the program’s on-the-job training,” said Ali Al-Salahi, Service Delivery Manager for PAEN Saudi Arabia, ABB.

“We believe that by prioritizing the development of local resources, our training program successfully addresses objectives of Vision 2030,” said Bassam Al-Shafai, who manages ABB’s Energy Industries division in Saudi Arabia. “The Energy Industries team is consistently working to enhance the program to share our engineering expertise with university students in a way that suits the local culture.”

In addition to fulfilling the goals of Vision 2030, the chance to learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a corporate set up will give young Saudi Arabian engineers an edge in their careers.

“ABB is committed to supporting Saudi Arabian students by developing their job skills alongside their academic studies. Preparing them for a successful career, in addition to encouraging young female engineers, is our social responsibility,” said Mohammed AlMousa, Country Managing Director, ABB.