RIYADH: A pioneering program to train Saudis to work in the electrical sector so that they can eventually replace expat workers has been launched by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development. The ministry launched the program in cooperation with Alfanar group in Riyadh as part of its effort to empower young Saudis by providing them with more private sector job openings. According to the agreement, Saudi nationals will be trained by the company to work at one of its specialized facilities and deliver Alfanar products to its customers. As well as offering job opportunities, the program has been designed to help the company overcome the lack of qualified candidates through designing specialized training programs. The pioneering program goes hand-in-hand with the ministerial decision to nationalize the sales in 12 economic sectors. “The partnership between the Ministry of Labor and Alfanar is an example for other large companies and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Kingdom,” Abdul Salam Al-Tuwaijri, director for nationalization of the commercial sector, said on Monday. Making a strong pitch on the nationalization of this sector, Al-Tuwaijri stressed the importance of this sector to help replace expatriate workers with Saudi men and women.