PwC Middle East Sustainable Talent Exchange Programme (STEP) takes on upskilling and training talent in the GCC

26 September 2021: PwC Middle East is committed to developing talent in the region while providing its people with the skills to succeed as part of its global strategy “The New Equation” and its “New world. New skills” investment.

To address the gap between current and demanded skills in the Middle East, PwC Middle East is reinforcing collaboration with public and private sector entities to share best practices identified through the upskilling of its people. Today’s announcement of the STEP programme represents its commitment to upskilling and talent development that extends beyond the firm’s employees.  

The STEP programme aligns directly with both the Saudi and UAE government national upskilling agendas of supporting the increase of Saudization by 40% in highly skilled jobs and accelerating the Emiratisation in the Private sector through creating 75,000 new private sector jobs respectively. Notably, the Saudi Arabian government has just launched the Human Capability Development Programme (HCDP).

STEP, which is now taking applications for the first batch of participants. The secondees will receive training ranging from digital capabilities to consulting skills across sectors such as Technology, Energy, and Financial Services among others. In addition to the opportunity to participate in in-class and virtual training, collaborative capstone projects, and consulting and internal transformation engagements across the GCC including the private sector. It also aims to help develop the next generation of internal leaders for employers by offering key staff increased agility and adaptability, valuable experience across sectors and a global approach to problem-solving. 

Randa Bahsoun, Partner of Government & Public Sector and New world. New skills Leader reflected:

 “STEP is a reiteration of our commitment to develop and upskill national talent for the future of work by equipping the best talent the region has to offer with the human and digital skill sets required to strive in the new world, and building their capacity as future leaders. We are very excited about this program and creating impact in the region. ”  

Khaled Bin Braik, Partner of Government & Public Sector at PwC Middle East noted:

 “As the region embarks on the next stage of prosperity driven by economic diversification, there is a strong recognition that human capital in the government and private sector needs to be state-of-the-art. The establishment of public-private partnerships will play a vital role in bolstering the national talent pool and integrating national human resources in all strategic sectors and industries across the region.”

Rami Nazer, EMEA Government and Public Sector Leader at PwC comments:

“The STEP programme is positioned at the forefront of national upskilling. We believe skilled public servants are crucial to achieve government desired outcomes which helps maintain public trust in government abilities and institutions. Balancing trust and outcome through human enabled change is at the heart of our PwC new strategy ‘The New Equation’.”