The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has announced that 400 jobs have been offered to young Saudis to work in the travel and tourism sector in the capital. The SCTA, headed by Prince Sultan bin Salman, urged the young Saudi jobseekers to appear for an interview, scheduled to be held on Saturday and Sunday, Al-Eqtisadiah business daily reported on Thursday. Dr. Abdullah Al-Washeel, director general of the National Tourism Human Resources Development Center (Takamul), said the employment program would be implemented in cooperation with the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) and the National Program for Joint Training. “The interviews will begin from 8.30 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m. at Madareem Crown Hotel, located on the east ring road opposite SABIC’s office. The SCTA and its partners have completed all the preparations to receive young Saudis who want to take up jobs in this vital sector,” he said. Al-Washeel said the training program is meant for young men over 18 who have as a minimum graduated from secondary school. The official stressed only those who are ready to attend full time training programs need to appear for the interview. They should bring photocopies of their ID and certificates of qualifications, he said. Al-Washeel said the selected applicants would be provided with a 10-12 month training program. “A work contract will be signed with the selected candidate before he starts the training course. The period of training will be calculated as part of service by the General Organization of Social Insurance and will count toward Saudization targets at the concerned travel and tourism agency,” he said, pointing out the trainee would get a lump sum monthly remuneration of SR1,500 during the training period. According to Al-Washeel, the HRDF will meet the whole expense of the training program including remuneration. “Trainees will have both theory and practical classes based on a number of subjects, including learning the English language (general and specialized), computer skills, general skills to take up jobs in the private sector, and specialized skills to work in the travel and tourism sector,” he said, adding that the trainees who have passed the course will join a travel firm on a contract worth at least SR4,000 a month.