Faced with sizable oil revenues and the need and desire to expand and diversify its industrial potential, Saudi Arabia is improving its vocational training efforts and attempting to involve as many of its citizens in vocational training programs as possible. At present, Saudi Arabia is having to import skilled workers to keep up with necessary industrial development. An expansive building program has been initiated involving construction of ten new residential training complexes and expansion and renovation of sixteen others. Annual capacity for trainees will increase from 3,000 to 9,700 by 1982. Job-oriented, competency-based instruction is being implemented to accomodate a variety of needs and to provide an effective use of training time and resources. Instructional packages with accompanying audio visuals are being developed for use with capital intensive labor saving equipment. Developmental testing will be performed on these packages before implementation. An instructor-development program will upgrade instructor skills and help assure successful program implementation. Not restricted to entry level and pre-employment programs, the Saudi Arabian vocational training program will also include a comprehensive on-the-job training program so workers may update their skills. (Figures illustrating the location of training centers and planned complexes are included.) (FP)