Starbucks and EFE Support Saudi Vision 2030

In context to support the Saudi Vision 2030 of empowering the Saudi youth with the right opportunities, Starbucks KSA and Education For Employment (EFE) have partnered together to introduce a series of workshops that will be focused towards nurturing and inspiring the youth of KSA and helping them make a valuable contribution to the community and economy in the Kingdom.

The workshops will be conducted through two unique programs - Opportunity Café and Pathways to a Job. These workshops will help young individuals acquire the skills to find the right job, enable them to make the first step in their career path in the right way, and success in a rapidly-changing global economy which will enhance their opportunities in the labour market.

These programs support the Saudi youth employment by giving university students and job seekers the tools and the direct guidance needed on the hands of professional trainers that have great experience in the labour market, and giving them the opportunity to ask questions and request needed consultations to make them an ideal candidate in their first job interview. The activities are designed to highlight various aspects of employment search such as CV writing and interviewing, understanding employer expectations, and navigating challenges for finding a job and adjusting to the work environment.

Talking about Starbucks’s social responsibility strategy in line with supporting the Saudi Vision 2030 and National Transformation Program 2020 of empowering youth with opportunities, Rana Shaheen, Regional Communications and CSR Manager, Starbucks Middle East and North Africa said: “We are happy and proud to support the Saudi Vision 2030 and are fully aware about the strong impact the youth employment can make in bringing this vision to life. The introduction of ‘Opportunity Café’ and ‘Pathways to a Job’ programs, together with EFE, is a testament to our commitment of empowering and engaging the youth with opportunities.”

Mr. Amr Abdallah, Director of Gulf Programs at EFE-Global added: “The skills development workshops under ‘Opportunity Café’ and ‘Pathways to a Job’ programs are proven models that have enabled the EFE Network to introduce nearly 60,000 youth to the world of work across the Middle East and North Africa.  We are proud to partner with Starbucks to bring this initiative to Saudi Arabia to help Saudi youth reach their potential and compete in growing sectors such as services.  The tools and experiences trainees learn will empower them with a new mindset and a better understanding of how to secure and succeed in a job.”

Opportunity Café was created to provide the right tools and skills for youth who are facing obstacles to employment.  During this program, youth will be trained on gaining the skills needed to communicate with individuals and institutions and experience they need to achieve their professional dreams learn practical basics to seek and secure a job, from CV writing to facing interviews. The high level of interest and engagement in the lead-up to the sessions demonstrates the determination of these talented and resilient young adults to be successful leaders and be positive contributing forces in their economy. The workshops will be held at Starbucks stores on Monday, March 12. Interested candidates can register through the Starbucks microsite www.starbucksforyouthksa.com.

Pathways to a Job is a youth awareness and development program that offers university students focused training on the skills that are essential for landing their first job following graduation and succeeding in the real world.  The workshops are conducted in Riyadh at Al Faisal University on Wednesday, March 7.

This strategic partnership between Starbucks and EFE highlights Starbuck’s commitment to Saudization as a core focus in its brand growth strategy and emphasises the organizations’ shared efforts towards uplifting and investing in Saudis’ career path by creating opportunities through education, training and employment. Starbucks in itself is a great place to work that attracts the youth to its warm and friendly environment with a progressive work culture.