Working together to build what’s next: Pearson and Saudi Arabia’s AZM Academy are building a new generation of construction engineers
For 60 aspiring site engineers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), six months of learning have opened the door to what comes next. On 26th July 2026, the first cohort of the azm Site Engineer Programme celebrated their graduation.
All 60 learners successfully completed the programme which is approved by the KSA’s Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, with 57 also achieving their Level 4 National Vocational Qualification in Construction Site Supervision. Learners on this programme also achieved an IOSH (Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) Safety, Health and Environment Certificate for Construction Site Managers.
From Classroom to Construction
Established by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), azm is a strategic workforce development initiative designed to build a pipeline of technically skilled Saudi nationals to support the needs of PIF portfolio companies and partners.
Over six months, learners build the knowledge and experience needed for entry-level site engineer roles in KSA’s rapidly growing construction sector. But they don’t spend that time only in a classroom. Participants progressively move into live construction sites to see the work firsthand and apply what they’ve learned.
From foundations and utilities to environmental management and contractor supervision, this end-to-end approach ensures learners build skills aligned with international best practice.
It’s an employer-led approach designed around the realities of the industry and workforce needs. In other words, it’s learning with a destination in mind, employment, empowering graduates to launch a rewarding career in KSA’s thriving construction industry.
Partnership with Pearson
Working alongside azm and PIF stakeholders, Pearson helped design, develop, and deliver the programme from concept through graduation. Their teams assessed workforce needs, designed the curriculum, developed learning content, mapped qualifications, and supported quality assurance.
Beyond the First Cohort
The azm Site Engineer Programme supports Saudi Vision 2030. This includes developing talent, increasing workforce localisation, and preparing Saudi nationals for opportunities in high-demand sectors.
As KSA continues investing in its infrastructure and economic transformation, those ambitions need people with the right skills to bring them to life. Now, 60 more people are ready to be part of it.
This cohort shared their thoughts on the programme and how it helped them build knowledge, gain practical experience, and better prepare for their careers in this short YouTube video.
Learners interested in being part of a future cohort of azm Site Engineers should keep an eye on the programme page on the azm Academy website.
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About azm Academy
The PIF launched the “azm” programme through a collaborative partnership with the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, Colleges of Excellence, and ROSHN Group, a PIF company. The programme aims to train and empower a new generation of Saudi vocational talent with skills to meet the needs of PIF’s ecosystem, its partners, and the broader Saudi economy.
The “azm” program will award internationally recognised certificates and arrange employment for trainees who complete it. The programme currently offers tracks in the fields of construction project management, facility management, and health, safety, and environment.
About Pearson
At Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are. Visit us at plc.pearson.com.
