JERUSALEM, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Israel will launch a program to create thousands of engineering jobs in peripheral areas far from the central region, the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) announced Sunday.

The program will be implemented by encouraging leading technology companies in Israel to establish engineering development centers.

A pilot plan of the program will be launched on April 15 with an opening event led by the IIA in northern Israel.

During the event, leading Israeli companies based in central Israel will present their activities and targets, including the need to recruit top-level workforce.

Companies interested in expanding their research and development activities will be able to recruit candidates from the north, most of whom cannot find jobs near their home.

As part of the program, the IIA will allocate a fund of 10 million new shekels (2.75 million U.S. dollars) over three years.

The program will also include support for setting up research centers during their first year of activity.