Landmark education partnership

Monash University's Faculty of Engineering has signed a A$40 million memorandum of understanding to deliver a five-year vocational training programme across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.

The programme will train 12,000 Saudi nationals in advanced manufacturing, industrial maintenance, and automation — critical skills for the Kingdom's industrial diversification under Vision 2030.

Programme structure

• Year 1-2: Foundation modules in mechanical, electrical, and automation fundamentals
• Year 3-4: Specialisation tracks in petrochemical maintenance, mining equipment, and smart manufacturing
• Year 5: Industry placement with Australian and Saudi companies operating in the Kingdom

Why it matters

Saudi Arabia's Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) has identified a shortage of 200,000 skilled technical workers needed to support the Kingdom's industrial expansion. Australian universities and TAFEs have become preferred partners due to their competency-based training frameworks.

The Chamber has been facilitating introductions between Australian education providers and Saudi government agencies since 2024. This MOU is the third major education partnership facilitated through the Chamber's networks.