RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi issued a ministerial order on Saturday obliging private-sector businesses with 50 or more employees to provide cooperative training for students. The decision was based on an academic plan approved by educational institutions and the demands of the labor market, officials said. The aim is to improve the quality and efficiency of training programs in the private sector, create more opportunities for development and growth, and ensure students receive relevant training that helps them secure jobs after graduation by improving their performance and practical skills. Trainees and the organizations providing the training will sign a fixed-term contract that provides full details of what will be provided, and the organization will present the student with a certificate at the end of the training period. The ministry has published a procedural guide explaining the full details of the decision, which can be downloaded from its website. It said private-sector organizations that fail to comply with the order could face legal consequences, including penalties. The decision was made in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the General Corporation for Technical and Vocational Training, and the Human Resources Development Fund. Meetings and workshops will be organized to help prepare private-sector organizations, as part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve knowledge, skills, and quality of training among the workforce.