Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new national carrier and a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, has launched three new employment-linked scholarship programmes aimed at developing Saudi talent for the Kingdom's growing aviation sector.
The initiatives are offered under the "Wa'ed"
track of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme in
partnership with leading aviation institutions in the US.
They include a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science
with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as two Associate Diploma
programmes in Aircraft Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance delivered in
collaboration with the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) and Spartan
College of Aeronautics and Technology.
Under the scheme, successful applicants will sign employment
contracts with Riyadh Air before beginning their studies, ensuring a direct
pathway to employment upon graduation.
Their scholarship period will also count as professional
experience registered with the General Organisation for Social Insurance
(GOSI), providing participants with career continuity from education to
employment.
The scholarships form part of Riyadh Air's broader strategy
to invest in Saudi human capital by creating specialised education and training
opportunities with global academic partners.
The airline aims to prepare highly skilled Saudi
professionals to meet increasing demand for aviation expertise as the Kingdom
expands its aviation industry.
The new programmes build on Riyadh Air's existing talent
development initiatives, including the Nawat Graduate Programme, the Nawat
Cabin Crew Programme, the Saudi Female Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Programme,
and earlier scholarship schemes for first officers and aircraft maintenance
specialists.
The initiative is being delivered in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), and the Human Capability Development Programme, supporting Saudi Arabia's efforts to develop a new generation of aviation professionals aligned with the country's long-term aviation growth strategy.
Nahar Aljahani, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Culture
at Riyadh Air, said: "Investing in Saudi talent is a cornerstone of Riyadh
Air's strategy to build a world-class airline powered by highly qualified Saudi
professionals. The launch of these programmes reflects our commitment to
providing outstanding educational and career pathways that enable young Saudi
men and women to acquire the expertise and skills required by the aviation
sector through partnerships with globally recognised academic institutions.”
Aljahani added: “We are proud to expand our offerings by introducing new
programmes in aircraft airframe and powerplant maintenance alongside our
Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science programme, continuing our efforts
to develop national human capital. These initiatives build on recent
milestones, including the graduation of the first cohort of Saudi female
aircraft maintenance engineers. We remain committed to preparing the next
generation of Saudi talent to lead the future of aviation, contribute to the
objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.” -TradeArabia News Service
