A BD4.8 million ($12.7 million) programme to train and employ 350 Bahraini engineers and technicians has started.

The agreement, between Tamkeen, Gulf Technics (GT) and Gulf Aviation Academy (GAA), will significantly elevate the burgeoning regional aviation industry in the country, said Gulf Technics director Ahmed Al Rayes.

It is part of a memorandum of understanding signed between Tamkeen and GAA to train 1,200 Bahrainis in the field of aviation, including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and technicians.

Gulf Technics, which will soon begin construction of a state-of-the-art hangar at Bahrain International Airport, has mandated GAA to train the Bahrainis to operate the hangar.

'The Aircraft Maintenance Engineering programme will provide us with the required qualified manpower to operate the hangar,' Mr Al-Rayes said. 'This programme is aligned with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 to increasing competitiveness of the local workforce by improving their productivity through training on international standards.'

He said with this Bahrain will be positioned as a premier regional aviation hub.

Students taking part in the programme will comprise 100 engineers and 250 technicians, all of whom will be sponsored by Tamkeen. The first batches of engineering students are expected to start training at the end of next month.

Tamkeen chief executive officer Abdulelah Al Qassimi said the programme is part of their initiatives to support human capital development and to position Bahrainis as employees of choice.

'This forms a cornerstone in meeting market demands for skilled manpower, as identified by our skills gaps survey,' he said.

GAA chief technical training officer Mahmood Abdul Aziz Al Balooshi said the programme is an integral part of GAA's strategy to ensure that their needs meet long-term training objectives.

'Successful Bahraini applicants will receive top-rated aviation training at par with international standards, and will be fully prepared to assume key aviation sector roles within Gulf Technics.'

GAA will begin receiving applications tomorrow and successful applicants can expect to be notified following an immediate screening process, which will take place within three to four weeks of submission. The application deadline is May 10.

All applicants must be a minimum of 17 years old, and hold a technical or science stream secondary school certificate with a GPA 80 per cent and above for engineers and GPA 60 per cent and above for technicians.

Applicants will be required to undergo a screening test, which will be held under the supervision of Tamkeen and GAA, with the support of professional aviation agencies.

Further information on the programme can be obtained from GAA on 17357710.-TradeArabia News Service