RIYADH: A new deal signed between the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Education & Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) will improve cooperation in supporting skills training in the labor market. The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed on Sunday by the ministry’s deputy minister Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Abu Nassin and ETEC chairman Dr. Hussam bin Abdul Wahhab Zaman, will also improve joint studies and the exchange of data between the two bodies. The MoU will promote research on the training needs of private sector establishments and job seekers, as well as policies for the labor market, taking into account supply and demand factors. It will also set and streamline appropriate standards, mechanisms and procedures to control the quality of on-the-job training, cooperative training and apprenticeships. The deal looks to build professional pathways and training activities, including a mechanism to approve professional licenses granted by the ETEC and employ specialists who work in universities or private and international schools. The ministry and ETEC said that the MoU is based on a constructive understanding between key sectors to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, and strengthen efforts to improve training and research in Saudi society as part of the National Transformation Program.