Saudi to train 1m in nationalisation push

Saudi’s Arabian authorities say they will train about 1m young men and women in an attempt to increase the number of nationals working in both public and private sectors, it has been reported. Sources told Saudi-based Saudi Gazette that the plan is aimed at both professional and technical skills and is part of the government's broader focus on industrial expansion. Fields in sectors such as commerce, industry and agriculture will be filled by graduates, sources said. The plan targets those who did not complete their secondary and undergraduate studies. The scheme intends to reduce the number of Saudis on the country's unemployment assistance programme by 50 percent. The government has in the past used tough measures to promote 'Saudisation', such as not awarding government work contracts to companies that did not meet their quota on employing nationals.