ALEC Engineering and Contracting, a leading regional construction firm, has launched a new programme aimed at increasing Saudi participation in the country's booming construction sector.

The Ahlan programme, modelled after global best practices, offers Saudi professionals a 30-day onboarding period. The programme will ensure local recruits have daily one-on-one time with their manager, with a focus on enabling them to not only rapidly ramp up the skills they need for their specific job function, but also gain a comprehensive understanding of the broader business. In parallel, these new employees will be able to avail of dedicated workshops and mentorship sessions conducted by the firm’s world-class Learning & Development (L&D) department.

“Saudi Arabia is presently one of the most exciting construction markets in the world,” said Barry Lewis, CEO at ALEC. "Projects like Qiddiya, Misk, Diriyah Gate, Sindalah and the ongoing advancement of urban infrastructure in thriving metropolitan hubs like Riyadh are setting new global benchmarks. In doing so, they are providing Saudi nationals the opportunity to play a lead role in developing some of the sector’s most impressive undertakings. As a key growth market for ALEC, and as a leader in the construction field, we believe that it is incumbent on us to grow local talent and empower Saudi nationals to become valuable contributors to the sector.”

The programme aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and Nitaqat initiatives, which aim to increase Saudisation in the workforce.   This follows the 2023 launch of the company’s cadet programme, aimed at fostering early-stage recruitment and training of Saudi professionals through collaboration with local educational institutions.

“Ahlan is the latest in a long line of successful career enrichment and leadership programmes that ALEC has implemented. This programme enables us to attract top Saudi talent to the flourishing construction sector and will give them the dedicated support needed to rapidly ramp up their skills and knowledge. I have no doubt that with this, these professionals will be set to make invaluable contributions to the construction industry, both within the Kingdom and beyond its borders,” said Gavin Stone, Group Director- People & Culture at ALEC.

Clare Verrall, ALEC’s Learning and Development Business Partner, added: “In the true spirt of the Saudisation initiative, we are seeking to support citizens in establishing meaningful careers in the construction sector. At ALEC, we are committed to accelerating the career progression of Saudi nationals. We are therefore delivering all the support they need to rapidly develop the skills they need to thrive in their daily roles. Ahlan will provide a steady on-ramp for increased participation in the private sector, and our hope is that this framework will be replicated by other organisations aspiring to support the government’s vision.”