OREANDA-NEWS. May 21, 2012. Reinforcing its long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia’s pursuit of a knowledge economy, GE (NYSE: GE) today signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) to establish a technical academy. The academy will train annually 150 select Saudi technical graduates in advanced skills such as key areas of maintenance and repair of gas turbines, electrical motors and generators that are critical to the efficient generation of electricity in the Kingdom.

Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, and in the presence of His Highness Prince Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaad, Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province and other dignitaries from the Eastern Province, the strategic partnership agreement was signed by H.E. Dr. Ali bin Nasser Al-Ghafis, Governor of TVTC and Joseph Anis, president and CEO, GE Energy in the Middle East.

“TVTC is proud to team with GE, a world-class technology company, to train the engineers and technicians who will form the cornerstone of the Saudi energy industry of tomorrow,” said Dr. Ali Bin Nasser Al-Ghafis. “The agreement reflects TVTC’s strategy to build partnerships with the private sector to implement programs that support Vision 2020, Saudi Arabia’s initiative to promote diversification, create new jobs and drive overall welfare.”

This milestone agreement establishes a strategic partnership between TVTC and GE designed to contribute to the empowerment of Saudi nationals with world-class technical training. The agreement is another step forward in the wake of the successful GE Joint Technical Program with TVTC, which was launched in 2010 to train Saudi students over several years. Successful graduates will be offered the opportunity to join GE’s business in the growing GE Saudi family to support the expanding energy sector in Saudi Arabia.

“The establishment of this technical academy signifies a new milestone in our collaboration with TVTC and underscores our joint commitment to empower Saudi Arabia’s most promising students with the advanced skills needed to support the Kingdom’s growth and development,” said Joseph Anis, president and CEO, GE Energy in the Middle East.