The Saudi-Japanese Automobile High Institute (SJAHI) guaranteed 250 jobs for young Saudis in automotive technology this year.
“Nine career paths offer attractive salaries and allowances following graduation in this field. In the past 10 years, more than 2,000 young Saudis found a job in this industry,” said SJAHI Director Salem bin Hassan Al-Asmari.
SJAHI students who signed their contract with a Japanese automobile company that paid their study fees can look forward to a monthly stipend of SR 1,500 during their studies from the Human Resources Development Fund.
“Following graduation, the students can directly get jobs in the same company with a salary of SR 4,000, with additional housing allowance and medical insurance. The institute enhances opportunities for employment. During discussions with Japanese car dealers, the institute created almost 250 vacancies in the field of technology and car maintenance for Saudis,” said Al-Asmari. “In two years, students spend more than 3,200 hours studying and training to specialize in technology and car maintenance. Experts say the market needs 200,000 technical automobile mechanics to replace foreigners.”
Al-Asmari said that there are currently two graduating classes at the institute, with 250 students in each, and that a 10th class of 206 students will graduate by the end of May. “Graduating students will get jobs immediately. There are eight companies currently sponsoring Saudi students,” he said.
The institute’s distinct incentives are to offer premium training. A typical career path in the industry spans maintenance, technician-training and can ultimately lead to appointment as a general manager of maintenance. The institute provides students with the required training through workshops by letting them gain experience through on-the-job training in maintenance centers of Japanese cars in the Kingdom.

A technical diploma from this institute is equivalent to a diploma from technical colleges in the Kingdom. There are about eight million vehicles in Saudi cities, a number that is estimated to increase by 800,000 cars annually. By 2020, there will be 14 million vehicles in the Kingdom, which will require a high level of efficiency for the maintenance. Saudi Arabia is planning to begin assembling cars and manufacturing parts, said Al-Asmari.

Jun Yoshida, Japanese consul general, who visited the institute recently, said that the most important aspect is job creation, especially in light of the Saudization process.

“There are many job opportunities, but Saudis must be well-trained. Recognized qualification is required to do a good job. SJAHI can provide this training, with three Japanese instructors giving car maintenance and repair training. Last June, the institute celebrated the 10th year of this joint venture, which is a milestone for Japanese-Saudi relations,” said Yoshida.

Saudi government departments also accept students that have trained at this institute because the group education it offers makes them qualified professionals in the field.