Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air has introduced an innovative Employment-First Scholarship Program aimed at developing the Kingdom's aviation sector. This initiative combines international educational pathways—engineering in Australia and pilot training in the United States—with guaranteed employment from day one, preparing Saudi youth for careers in aviation. The program is part of an overarching strategy supported by government agencies, including the Ministries of Education, Transport, and GACA, to establish a sustainable pipeline of highly skilled professionals.
The first phase involves Saudi students pursuing Bachelor’s degrees in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering at leading Australian universities, focusing on Mechanical Engineering and Avionics. Additionally, a commercial pilot training program will be launched in the United States, providing practical experience alongside renowned aviation experts.
"This personalized approach ensures that scholarship recipients gain both technical expertise and employment opportunities, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry,"said an official from Riyadh Air. Officials highlight that students will be employed before their studies begin, with employment registered with GOSI, giving them a competitive advantage in the job market upon graduation.
Overall, this program supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification and workforce development. By investing in Saudi talent and offering global training with immediate job prospects, Riyadh Air aims to position itself as a key player in the international aviation landscape while addressing skills gaps and fostering sustainable growth in the industry.
