Saudi Youth Turn Car Passion Into Careers

A growing network of training programs and motorsport initiatives is helping young Saudis turn a passion for cars into full-time careers, spanning vehicle mechanics, racing engineering, and commercial roles across a fast-expanding industry.

The Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) enrolled more than 12,000 trainees in automotive mechanics and vehicle electrical systems for the 2026 academic year, producing over 2,000 specialists. Trainees receive government stipends, and many graduates go on to launch small businesses or secure technician jobs, with experienced professionals typically earning between SAR 10,000 and SAR 15,000

For more advanced study, the National Automotive and Vehicles Academy (NAVA) targets Saudis aged 18 to 25 with programs that offer conditional employment on successful completion. Admission requires Saudi nationality, a TVTC-related diploma or enrollment, and minimum scores of 50% in both the Qudrat and Tahseeli tests.

Building a motorsport pipeline

Younger talents can begin early through the Saudi Young Stars Karting program for ages 6 to 12, which builds foundational karting and engineering skills as an entry route into the sector. The Saudi Next Gen Program, launched in 2025, supports Saudi talents in rally and wider motorsports with structured pathways into professional roles.

In Jeddah, the Home of Tomorrow’s Champions program, aligned with the Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship, targets Saudis aged 15 to 25 with workshops, university lectures, and hands-on experience across engineering, energy, logistics, event management, hospitality, business development, photography, and communications. The GR Saudi Driving School selects Saudi men and women aged roughly 17 to 26 through staged evaluation, training around 60 shortlisted participants over five days in Jeddah, with top drivers progressing to professional competition.

STEM Racing KSA operates in Dhahran, Al-Hasa, Riyadh, Al-Madinah, Jeddah, and Abha, reaching about 280 students aged 16 to 18. Together, these tracks are opening technical, commercial, and transferable career opportunities for youth within a global industry worth tens of billions of dollars.

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