In May, a new group of young Saudi professionals reached an important milestone in Riyadh after completing a year-long joint development program delivered by iMile and the Saudi Logistics Academy (SLA). The graduation marked not only the end of structured learning and hands-on training, but also the beginning of meaningful careers in one of Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing industries. For many participants, the program served as a direct bridge from education into employment, with several graduates now joining iMile as full-time employees. Their transition reflects the program’s core purpose: turning potential into capability and classroom knowledge into real-world impact within the logistics sector. Among the graduates is Omaymah, whose journey highlights the human impact behind the initiative. With a bachelor’s degree in science, she was seeking a career path that offered both growth and long-term opportunity. Logistics quickly stood out as a sector aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation. “The logistics industry is closely aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and offers tremendous potential for professional growth,” she says. Today, she works as a Procurement Specialist at iMile Saudi Arabia, where she continues to build her expertise in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Her progression reflects how structured training programs can unlock opportunities for young talent entering a rapidly evolving industry. Supporting a growing industry through talent developmentAs Saudi Arabia accelerates its economic diversification under Vision 2030, logistics has emerged as a strategic growth sector. Major investments in infrastructure, trade connectivity, and supply chain capabilities are positioning the Kingdom as a global logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. This expansion has created a growing demand for skilled professionals who can operate and innovate within modern supply chain systems.Established in 2021, the Saudi Logistics Academy plays a key role in addressing this need by equipping local talent with both technical knowledge and practical industry experience. In parallel, iMile continues to invest in developing Saudi professionals as part of its long-term commitment to sustainable growth in the region. Creating a pathway from classroom to careerIn 2023, iMile and SLA launched a strategic “Train to Hire” partnership designed to create a clear pathway from education to employment.The program combines nine months of academic and technical training at SLA with three months of on-the-job experience at iMile. During this practical phase, trainees rotate across multiple functions, including logistics operations, supply chain management, warehousing, international freight, procurement, and customer service. This structure allows participants to apply classroom learning in real operational environments while gaining exposure to the complexity of end-to-end logistics networks. It also helps them develop cross-functional understanding and workplace readiness essential for long-term career success. Learning beyond technical skillsSince its launch, the program has completed four cohorts and supported the development of 25 Saudi trainees. Of these, 12 graduates have already joined iMile as full-time employees. The initiative has also contributed to greater workforce diversity, with 10 female participants taking part so far, reinforcing broader inclusion within the logistics sector. Beyond technical skills, participants report significant personal growth.During her internship, Omaymah worked across finance, legal, warehousing, and fleet teams, gaining a holistic understanding of business operations. She notes that the experience strengthened her ability to manage responsibilities, solve real challenges, and communicate effectively across departments-skills that are essential in dynamic work environments. Investing in the future of Saudi logisticsLooking ahead, the partnership between iMile and SLA is set to expand its impact further. Over the course of a five-year collaboration, the program aims to train and employ 100 Saudi professionals, strengthening the national talent pipeline for the logistics industry. “Saudi Arabia is building one of the most dynamic logistics sectors in the world, and talent development will be critical to sustaining that growth,” said Wayne Wang, Country Manager of iMile Saudi Arabia. “Our partnership with the Saudi Logistics Academy reflects a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of logistics professionals.” As more young Saudis transition from classrooms into careers, initiatives like this continue to shape a new generation of professionals contributing to the Kingdom’s logistics future.
