Addressing critical training needs

One factor highlighted by health and safety practitioners in Saudi Arabia is the need for training and upskilling in all areas, both for the workforce and for HSE professionals themselves

Training needs range from the basics of HSE and proper use of PPE, to competency-based training and training in new technologies, and call for diverse methods, from practical on-the-job training to immersive digital learning. With calls for leaders to ‘walk the talk’ and employ good communication strategies, there is also a need for leadership and psychological training. Furthermore, the Saudisation of the HSE profession and government plans to recruit several thousand more HSE officers by 2025, will require an expansion of training and certification programmes.

With workforce development and enhancing local capabilities at the heart of Vision 2030 and Saudi nationalisation objectives, there is scope for further investment in private-public partnerships, customised training programmes tailored to the specific needs of industries and businesses, and partnerships with international training providers and institutions.

Collaborations to upskill local talent

One recently announced initiative is a collaboration between Serco and SaveFast Training Academy, one of the region’s leading HSE training providers, which aims to enhance safety and upskill local talent in Saudi Arabia using SaveFast’s HSE, driving training and technology solutions. These incorporate the use of virtual reality technology, behaviour-based telematics and HSE technologies.

The collaboration addresses the requirements of the Saudi government to develop local capabilities in line with Vision 2030 and Saudi nationalisation goals, with Saudi nationals having the opportunity to gain safety qualifications through SaveFast Training Academy before continuing learning in a real-work environment with Serco. SaveFast and Serco will enhance the services they provide to current and future clients in the UAE and KSA through the HSE Training Academy, on-site tailored training courses and robust analysis of safety data. This initiative will provide insights and data essential for predicting and preventing workplace incidents, whether in office environments or on construction sites across cities, major developments or giga projects.

Meanwhile, GTSC, part of 3T, a leader in the provision of safety-critical training for high-hazard industries, is expanding its accredited training offering. This follows 3t’s recent acquisition of GTSC, acquiring its three training centres located in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Egypt. This strategic combination leverages GTSC’s comprehensive, industry-accredited training capabilities with 3t’s cutting-edge training technologies, including immersive digital learning platforms, virtual reality simulations, and advanced safety compliance solutions. The expanded training offering will include an enhanced range of courses for workers in high-hazard industries, such as a Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) Safety Training program accredited by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), designed to ensure that workers in industries such as oil and gas, drilling, and offshore operations are properly trained and equipped to safely handle the risks associated with H₂S exposure.

The company is committed to supporting national visions, including Saudi Vision 2030, by upskilling the workforce and enhancing productivity, ensuring that personnel in safety-critical roles achieve the highest standards of safety, compliance and competence.

The e-learning sector in Saudi Arabia is also booming, driven by government support, the rising demand for flexible learning, the growing penetration of the internet and smartphones, significant technological advancements, and the rising focus on skills development and incentives for digital education, according to a recent report. Saudi companies across various sectors have implemented e-learning programmes, covering areas ranging from compliance and safety training to leadership development and technical skills enhancement. These programmes can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each organisation. The ability to track and assess employee progress and performance through e-learning platforms is an additional attraction.