The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) has created 16,000 training opportunities for young Saudis at local private firms this summer.

It called on Saudis nationwide to apply for these positions by June 12.

Mohammed Al-Abdul Hafiz, deputy general manager for training and support services at the HRDF, said that the positions are open to men and women. “We want to develop their skills with training in areas where there is a demand in the local job market,” he said.

Earlier this month, the HRDF disclosed that it would offer cash incentives to Saudi job seekers and companies hiring Saudi nationals. The campaign is aimed at encouraging companies to hold on to their employees.

Recently, the HRDF placed advertisements in various media outlets and in public places, with a short message reading, “Because you can do it,” addressed to firms that have increased the salaries of Saudi employees.

The fund created another campaign where applicants were sent text messages that they could be eligible for rewards of up to SR24,000.

The HRDF head, Ibrahim Al-Moaiqel, recently held a press conference at the organization’s headquarters to unveil the details of the program.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Al-Olayan, director general of the labor department for Riyadh region at the Ministry of Labor, said Wednesday that the ministry has advised its customers to go to branch offices because of ongoing maintenance and development at the ministry headquarters. The branch offices are in Shifa, Badia and at Euromache.

He said the ministry provides 22 services through its website.