• Abdul Latif Jameel Motors management program focuses on Saudi Arabian trainees in line with Saudi Vision 2030
  • Management program opened to Saudi Arabian females for the first time

The Saudi Arabian economy is currently diversifying at all levels, and the need to prepare future generations to play their part in the new economic environment is more important today than ever before.  Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in the country, is taking action now to attract and train Saudi Arabian youth through its management trainee program.

The goal is to empower future generations economically and socially, and improve the talent base within Abdul Latif Jameel at the same time. In addition to its motivational work environment and various employee benefits, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors is devoting its attention to training Saudi Arabian employees – both male and female –  across various specialities. This is based on the Japanese ‘kaizen’ principle of continuous improvement adopted by Toyota Motor Corporation, and the belief that preparing future leaders promotes and drives enterprises.

The program was first introduced in the mid-1990s and has since focused on core specialisms such as engineering, finance, marketing, administration and legal. So far, 215 people have graduated from the scheme and have held senior managerial positions in different departments.

Khalid Al Qarni, Executive Director of HR Operations and Recruitment at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, said: “Trainees spend the first two weeks of the Management Trainee Program at Abdul Latif Jameel Academy honing their skills and abilities. They learn about our departments and operations, including retail, vehicle logistics and guest services. Each trainee will stay in a department for almost nine months before being assigned roles that best suit their skills.”

During the training period, trainees have the opportunity to share experiences and expertise with each another, while meeting with former participants to hear about their achievements after taking on their managerial roles. Then, during the final month of the program, trainees undergo an extensive evaluation of their performance is areas such as planning, decision-making and interpersonal behavior.  Finally, a decision is made regarding the best position for the trainee, and thus begins a journey to satisfy personal ambitions and goals.

“The program takes a tailored, unique approach adopted by Abdul Latif Jameel Motors to recruit distinguished Saudi Arabian men and women with bachelor’s and master’s degrees who have displayed leadership skills and ambition. Abdul Latif Jameel Motors provides those individuals with training that puts them on the path towards taking on senior roles in our businesses across Saudi Arabia” said Al Qarni.

This year’s program includes females for first time as the company looks to attract more Saudi Arabian women, which is also in line with Saudi Vision 2030. These women – especially those with leadership skills – will have the opportunity to progress their career in Abdul Latif Jameel.

“The program provides suitable working environments to perform their tasks, in addition to helping them practice innovation and productivity,” concluded Al Qarni.