Nahj's Youth Training Program

EDDAH: Nahj, a nonprofit organization, has recently introduced its Summer Training Program aimed at empowering youth, which will run until August 15 in Riyadh and Jeddah.

This initiative seeks to provide a distinctive internship and training experience in partnership with prominent companies like Mrsool, Najm, and Care Hospitals, covering a range of sectors such as healthcare, law, business development, engineering, and technology.

Nahj plans to select between 70 and 100 outstanding students, primarily targeting high schoolers and individuals under 20, matching them with companies based on their interests, skills, and resumes.

The purpose of the program is to help students explore their career aspirations by offering practical experience and valuable insights.

Rakan bin Bader, CEO and founder of Nahj, stated, “As a young leader, I recognize the importance of exposing trainees to market demands.

Vision 2030 highlights the critical role of youth in shaping our nation's future.

“This unique opportunity motivates me to create avenues for youth development and empowerment.

By equipping young individuals with essential skills, we aim to prepare them to become influential leaders who will contribute to our community and support this ambitious vision.”

Bader elaborated on the initiative's primary objectives, stressing the need to close the gap between education and employment, provide hands-on training, and enhance the capabilities of young professionals.

He continued, “Our goal is to equip them with the necessary tools to satisfy market demands and emerge as successful leaders.

Through practical experience and mentorship, we aspire to inspire and empower youth to make positive contributions to the Kingdom's growth.

“Our ultimate aim is to support Vision 2030 by fostering a generation of well-prepared, capable, and innovative young leaders who will propel our nation forward.”

Addressing the challenges faced by young professionals in Saudi Arabia, he pointed out the disconnect between educational outcomes and market requirements.

He explained that while the educational framework is strong, there is frequently a gap between theoretical knowledge and the practical skills needed.

He added, “There is an increasing focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the cultivation of digital skills.

Both the government and private sectors are investing more in initiatives and programs that promote youth empowerment and career readiness.”

Jenan Kamal, the chief operating officer and co-founder of Nahj, remarked, “One of our main challenges, particularly from an operational perspective, is selecting a limited number of students from a pool of highly qualified candidates.

“To tackle this, we have collaborated with multiple companies to expand the number of available positions.

Additionally, we have established high standards and implemented a rigorous application process to ensure we choose the cream of the crop.”

Kamal added, “We anticipate this program will drive change in both private and public sectors, advocating for increased youth empowerment for those under 20.

“By elevating expectations and raising the bar for young individuals, we align with the goals of Vision 2030, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation among youth.”

Rozana Al-Banawi, founder of Qeema, the first Arabic personal financial coaching group, expressed, “Our program provides students with a unique chance to deepen their understanding of startup culture, fintech, and personal financial coaching.

By focusing on the intersection of these fields with well-being, research, and data, we aim to equip students with both soft and technical skills applicable to various careers.

“By promoting a growth mindset, leadership, teamwork, self-discipline, and emotional intelligence, our program facilitates practical, real-world learning experiences.

It encourages students to explore their motivations, expand their networks, and grasp workplace complexities, ultimately fostering long-term benefits and personal development.”

Danah Al-Jarboua, a high school student entering her senior year, shared her aspirations and expectations for the Nahj/Mrsool internship.

She stated, “As graduation approaches, it is essential for me to gain clarity regarding my career path.

I am interested in industrial engineering, and this program offers me the chance to explore and gain practical experience in a field that fascinates me.

It will help me determine if industrial engineering aligns with my goals and illuminate the path ahead.

“Through practical assignments and mentorship, I hope to enhance my problem-solving, project management, technical, teamwork, and communication skills.

“These experiences will not only inform my academic decisions but also strengthen my college applications and lay a solid foundation for my future career.”

Bayan Kamal, an ambitious business intern focused on marketing, reflected on the impact of the internship program, stating, “My career direction is firmly set on marketing, and this internship has reinforced my path by providing invaluable hands-on experience and strategic insights into marketing tactics.

“By managing and engaging with audiences on social media platforms, I aim to improve my social skills and public speaking capabilities, which are crucial for effective communication in marketing positions.

“This program presents me with early exposure and practical knowledge that will certainly provide me with a competitive advantage in my future career.

I look forward to showcasing the skills and experiences I've gained, establishing a strong foundation for my marketing journey.”

Bader remains optimistic about the future of career development and talent acquisition in Saudi Arabia.

He noted, “We are moving toward a more dynamic and inclusive job market. Continuous learning, upskilling, and reskilling are becoming vital.

Companies are beginning to acknowledge the importance of investing in young talent and creating environments that foster growth and innovation.

“By adopting technology and new educational models, we can ensure that young professionals are adequately prepared to meet future demands and make significant contributions to the Kingdom’s advancement.”

Source: arabnews

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