Alstom, a global leader in sustainable and innovative mobility solutions, signed a partnership agreement with Saudi Railway Polytechnic (SRP) to empower Saudi youth with specialised technical and vocational training, marking a pivotal stride for the Kingdom's transportation future. The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Dr. Rumaih AL-Rumaih, Deputy Minister of Transport & Logistic Services.
Under the agreement, Alstom and SRP will roll out training modules in two pivotal domains: Rolling Stock & Traction and Signalling & Telecom designed for the initial batch of 20 young males and females. A growing number of trainees will have the opportunity to participate in these programmes, equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the field of railway maintenance and operations.
This partnership represents a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia's journey towards achieving its ambitious Vision 2030 objectives. As the Kingdom accelerates its infrastructure development and rapid urbanisation, enhanced transportation solutions will play a vital role in fostering economic growth and advancing localisation.
Mohamed Khalil, Managing Director of Alstom in Saudi Arabia, stated, "In partnership with SRP, Alstom reaffirms its dedication to Saudi's youth. By integrating public and private expertise, we are not only aligning with but actively driving forward the objectives of Vision 2030, ensuring the next generation is well-equipped for the challenges and opportunities of the transportation sector."
The programmes, designed for Saudi nationals between the ages of 18 and 26, are carefully structured to ensure effective training and skill development. Male trainees will undergo an 11-month training period, which includes six months of intensive training at Alstom's facilities followed by five months of practical on-the-job training. In contrast, female trainees will participate in an extended 18-month programmes. Their training will begin with 12 months at the institute, after which they will proceed to complete six months of on-the-job training at an Alstom facility.
Alstom first arrived in Saudi Arabia in the 1950s. Since then, Alstom has become a key contributor to the advancement of the region's transport infrastructure. The most recent project in the Kingdom includes the supply of an integrated Metro System for Lines 4, 5 and 6 as part of the FAST Consortium and line 3 within the ArRiyadh New Mobility Consortium (ANM). As a Member of FLOW, Alstom provides Operation and Maintenance services for Lines 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Riyadh Metro. For the Haramain high-speed rail line between Mecca and Medina, Alstom supplied Talgo with the Mitrac TC 3300 propulsion equipment and Flexifloat high speed bogies for the powerheads of the 35 very high-speed trains as well as the VIP train for the 450km line and is contracted with the maintenance. Additionally, Alstom is responsible for the construction of King Abdullah Financial District's monorail transit system. Finally, Alstom is the supplier and operation and maintenance provider of the turnkey Innovia APM 300 automated people mover system at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.