Evaluation of a training program in a major company in Saudi Arabia

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to evaluate an existing training program for new employees at a major company in Saudi Arabia. The company is one of the world's largest producers of dairy products. This training program was designed to be given to new graduates with degrees in electrical, manufacturing, industrial, mechanical, and chemical engineering.; Procedures. A two survey instrument and interview questions were used to collect data from 20 trainers and 20 trainees at a major company in Saudi Arabia. One instrument was developed and the other was the Occupational Work Ethic Inventory (OWEI). Means, standard deviation, analysis of variance, and correlation results were interpreted.; Findings. The different results of the Perception of the Training Instrument showed that all means for the instrument were above average, there were significant correlations among themes, and significant differences between groups. The analysis of the data for the Occupational Work Ethic Inventory (OWEI) showed only one significant correlation and no significant difference among groups. An alpha level of .05 was used for all statistical tests. The responses collected from the interview questions showed that trainers have different views about the training program from the trainees.; Conclusions. The following conclusions were drawn: The overall design of the training program is good and should be applicable to other Saudi companies with similar trainers and trainees.; All trainees believe the training program provides a good opportunity to guide them to be knowledgeable and skilled workers.; The overall work ethics of Saudi worker trainees tends to be comparable to non-Saudi trainers.; The language of the training program could be an obstacle for some trainees, especially at the beginning of the training program.; Practical training is a desirable component of the training program.