HR banks on future human capital with new training program

A new Human Resources Specialist Development Program (HRSDP) has been launched to create a cohort of agile, world-class practitioners who will lead the workforce into the future.

This new impetus to build advanced HR solutions for one of the world’s largest and most diverse companies requires experts with specialized knowledge and skills.

Nabil K. Al Dabal, vice president of HR, said, “I want to see Aramco representing the best of HR at a global level … not just as members but as leaders and experts in the HR field.”

The HRSDP is modeled on the highly successful Specialist Development Program (SDP), which was launched by Engineering Services in 1984. The goal of the original program was to prepare young engineers and scientists in disciplines where the company had a critical need.

Jamil J. Al-Bagawi, chief engineer and chairman of the SDP Board, said the SDP was designed to cultivate and nurture the next generation of technical talent and improve their career prospects and job satisfaction.

“These key individuals will respond to the future challenges and demands facing our company,” he said.

Personnel development 

Likewise, the HRSDP has been designed to continually enhance HR capabilities and capacity in response to industry trends and current best practices.

It uses a combination of training, academic research, personal development, and work experience to qualify HR professionals to become subject matter experts in specialized areas, including labor relations, people analytics, digital solutions, and diversity and inclusion.

Bandar F. Al Otaibi from the Personnel Department and board secretary for the HRSDP,said the program is fully aligned with the company’s HR strategy.

With the launch of a formal development program for HR specialists, finding the right people with the appropriate skills and knowledge to solve complex business and people challenges becomes much easier.
— Bandar F. Al Otaibi

Participants’ thoughts

Mohammad H. Shabib of the Organization Consulting Department, who recently signed up for the program, said: “Aramco’s Engineering SDP is known for challenging and stretching participants’ thinking and developing deep expertise. I anticipate it will enable me to expand my knowledge and provide me with the experience required to be a specialist in the field of organization.”

Hanin A. Jannah, an analyst in the HR Policy and Planning Department, said the best part of the job is that people are your most important asset.

“Being a participant in this program has the potential to provide me with the tools specialized to serve the company’s greatest asset even better.”

How to apply

Employees within HR who want to enter the program should fill out an application and provide the required documents to their department head for approval. The HRSDP Board will review applications and admit select candidates.

Al Otaibi said there are plans for a comprehensive rollout of the program to HR professionals companywide.