Alshaya and HRDF agreement spotlights retail careers in the Kingdom
• Alshaya International Trading Company signs second Saudization agreement with Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF)
• Over 40% of Alshaya workforce in the Kingdom are nationals
Careers for Saudi nationals in the retail sector have received a significant boost with an agreement signed between the Alshaya International Trading Company and the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) guaranteeing employment for 400 Saudis in Alshaya retail stores.
In the second agreement between the two organisations both male and female Saudi nationals from cities across the Kingdom will be given the chance to develop a private sector career working with some of the world’s most famous brands including: H&M, Debenhams, Next and Mothercare.
Mr. Hisham Al Khaldi, Human Resources Services Manager for Alshaya in Saudi Arabia, said the announcement comes at a time when retail in the Kingdom continues to grow as an important economic sector:
“Our first agreement with HRDF has been highly successful, and based on this we are more than happy to continue with a second. We have discovered a wealth of Saudi talent that is enthusiastic and keen to focus on a career in retail. The young men and women we have taken on through the 1st HRDF agreement have shown they are committed to developing themselves and their skills, and we have already discovered some stars. Our own plans for Saudi Arabia involve serious expansion over the coming years, and we want a core of experienced nationals to drive the business forward through what will be a very exciting period.”
The agreement comes on top of a continuing effort by Alshaya to raise its proportion of Saudis within the workforce, which now stands at over 40%.
“Our vision is to give young Saudis the chance to learn about and excel in a career which is all about famous brands and products, being with customers, serving them and working as a team. There is also enormous potential for managerial careers in one of the most exciting family run businesses in the Middle East region,” said Mr. Al Khaldi. “We also believe that the training we give candidates will serve them in good stead, whatever career they may ultimately choose. The disciplines, processes and skills that we teach are relevant for anyone who wishes to pursue a business career.”
Ahmed Al Ghamdi , HRDF Area Manager-Riyadh, commented on the benefits of such an initiative: “As our country endeavours to create millions of jobs over the next decade, successful initiatives such as this are invaluable and provide enormous benefit to our young people as they start private sector careers. Our partnership with the Alshaya International Trading Company is a great example and will provide encouragement to other organisations to pursue similar initiatives,” he said.
The 400 selected candidates will be trained by Alshaya in sales skills, customer service and English, all over Saudi Arabia. It follows an initial agreement with HRDF whereby 253 Saudi nationals were welcomed as Alshaya employees, an initiative in line with government Saudization plans and applauded by H.E. Dr. Ghazi Al Gosaibi, Saudi Minister of Labour. As part of the current agreement, Alshaya International Trading Company will fund 50% of the employees’ salaries with the rest being paid by HRDF.
Alshaya has a portfolio of over 40 retail brands and operates more than 1,500 stores in 16 countries in the GCC, North Africa and Central and Eastern Europe, employing around 15,000 people from over 35 countries.
