Having already established a strong presence within the Middle Eastern oil and gas industry, General Electric Company (GE) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at strengthening its local workforce in the region.

At present, the US firm employs some 1,500 workers within the Middle East, including in energy industry operations as well as in a number of other sectors including healthcare, and aviation.

However, it is now looking to reduce its reliability on workers from other parts of the world with the launch of its new 'Come Join Me' recruitment drive, while also stepping up training and development programmes for its current employees, with a particular focus on enabling professionals to switch from one industry into another while staying with GE.

Jeffrey Wooten, human resources director at GE Corporate, Middle East and Africa, explained: "Our wide portfolio ensures that opportunities within GE are endless. Our diversity allows for expansive educational opportunities, and worldwide we invest over US$1 billion per year on training our people.

"The existing pool of qualified young professionals in the region provides us with a favorable environment to expand operations and to develop the business exponentially."

Saudi Arabia is currently home to GE's largest workforce, with 700 employees based in the oil-producing state.