The young Saudis with their certificates after finishing their training program.

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) and ACCOR Group celebrated the graduation of the first batch of 11 Saudi youths who passed a training program which encourages them to join the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Nasir Al-Nashmi, director general of the National Center for Tourism Human Resources Development (Takamul), said that the program was set up by ACCOR Academy in collaboration with the SCTA.

The ceremony was attended by Takamul Executive Director Ahmed Al-Eisa, Director General of Licensing and Quality Assurance Omar Al-Mubarak, and others.

The program launched last year “is the fruit of partnership principles SCTA has adopted with all parties and stakeholders for achieving sustainable development for tourism.”

Al-Nashmi noted the efforts of ACCOR Group in launching this initiative to develop the local community as well as engage in the management of the hotel sector.

He said that Takamul has long been working in collaboration with large hospitality companies in the local market to put Saudi youngsters in on-the-job-training opportunities.

“What we see now in ACCOR are the first fruits of this effort,” Al-Nashmi said.

He referred to the importance of linking the theoretical with practical training which is usually done at large international academies, institutes and companies in the Saudi market. He said that Takamul seeks to activate strategic partnerships with training and employment partners in various tourism areas. In addition, there are similar planned programs which will be launched by other international companies.

The trainee, upon completion of six months, receives a basic graduation certificate; after 15 months of training, and after successful completion of a final exam, he is awarded an advanced “Manager of ACCOR Hospitality” apprentice certificate.

With this certificate, he can apply for a manager or deputy manager’s position in the front office, and in booking and reservation departments.

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