Saudi Arabia’s Care Boom: How TVET Can Address Workforce Demands

Saudi Arabia’s care sector is witnessing unprecedented growth due to demographic and social shifts. A new report highlights how transforming TVET systems can address workforce shortages, foster gender inclusivity, and create sustainable economic opportunities. By drawing lessons from global best practices and aligning strategies with Vision 2030, the Kingdom aims to revolutionize its care industry.

Saudi Arabia is at the cusp of a transformative moment in its care sector, driven by demographic shifts and economic diversification goals. A newly released report titled “The Care Boom: Addressing Care Through Technical and Vocational Education in Saudi Arabia” sheds light on how the Kingdom’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems can be pivotal in meeting the growing demand for skilled care professionals.

A Nation on the Verge of a Care Revolution

As Saudi Arabia’s population ages and more women enter the workforce, the demand for care-related services, such as healthcare, childcare, and eldercare, is soaring. The report outlines the Kingdom’s substantial investments in modernizing healthcare infrastructure and expanding care services under Vision 2030. However, challenges persist, including a shortage of skilled local care workers and a heavy reliance on expatriate labor.

At the same time, societal perceptions about caregiving roles are shifting. With increased awareness and strategic investments, Saudi nationals, particularly women and youth, are beginning to see opportunities in these professions, creating a new dynamic in the labor market.

The Role of TVET in Bridging the Gap

The report highlights TVET as a cornerstone for addressing the workforce demands of the care sector. Specialized training programs in fields such as nursing, early childhood education, and eldercare are essential for equipping individuals with both technical and soft skills. By aligning curricula with real-world industry needs through partnerships with private and public stakeholders, TVET institutions can ensure graduates are job-ready.

Notably, these initiatives align with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic goals, encouraging gender inclusivity and reducing unemployment rates among youth. By fostering a local, skilled workforce, the Kingdom aims to reduce its dependence on foreign labor and elevate the quality of care services.

Learning From Global Best Practices

The report draws inspiration from successful care workforce models in countries like Germany, Japan, and Australia. These nations have robust TVET systems that integrate advanced care training with cultural adaptability. For Saudi Arabia, adapting these practices offers a pathway to improve the appeal and effectiveness of care-related vocational education.

Strategies for Implementation

To fully capitalize on TVET’s potential, the report recommends several strategies:

Boosting Enrollment: Increasing student participation in care-related vocational programs.

Curriculum Enhancement: Ensuring course content meets the evolving demands of the care sector.

Gender Inclusion: Creating targeted pathways for women and youth to enter caregiving professions.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Changing societal attitudes toward caregiving as a respectable and fulfilling career option.

A Catalyst for Economic Growth

The care sector is not merely a social necessity; it is also an economic opportunity. By investing in a skilled domestic workforce, Saudi Arabia can reduce reliance on expatriates while simultaneously creating sustainable jobs for its citizens. These efforts are vital for achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives, which emphasize economic diversification and social development.

The report, “The Care Boom: Addressing Care Through Technical and Vocational Education in Saudi Arabia”, published by the World Health Organisation (WHO), underscores the urgency of transforming TVET systems to address the care sector’s workforce challenges. By leveraging strategic investments, fostering inclusivity, and adapting global best practices, Saudi Arabia is poised to lead a care revolution that not only meets immediate needs but also sets the foundation for long-term economic and social prosperity.