The number of jobs allocated for Saudis, which were announced by the Training and Recruitment Center at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), has reached 11,751 in 70 private sector firms, but only 1,760 job seekers have responded to interview calls.

Based on data released by these firms, the salaries for these jobs range from SR4,000 to SR10,000, according to a report by the RCCI-affiliated center.

The vacant posts cover different fields such as production line, accountancy, finance, engineering, showroom management, salesmanship, data entry, electronic maintenance, technical support, customer service, marketing, health, secretariat, hospitality, security, driving, welding, and air-conditioning.

Mohamed Al-Kithairi, secretary-general of RCCI, called on young Saudis to benefit from the available jobs in the private sector companies which, he said, are working hard to provide a stimulating work environment for the youth to develop their capacities and acquire more experience.

Economic expert Salim Ba Ajaja attributed the reluctance of young Saudis to take up these jobs to the belief that the jobs do not match their qualifications and aspirations. Most of young Saudi men and women have college degrees which encourage them to look for better jobs he told Al-Watan daily.

He said some inferior jobs such as heavy-machine drivers or certain technical jobs are highly paid but they do not match the aspirations of young Saudis, especially after they have completed their university studies.