A new scheme is being launched by Tamkeen (formerly the Labour Fund) to train 200 Bahrainis in supply chain management, with international certification.

The project will be delivered by KPMG and its training partner, the Bahrain International Retail Development Centre (BIRD) and culminate in Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) certification for 150 of the trainees.

The other 50 will be awarded a KPMG-BIRD certificate in supply chain management.

The BD714,500 project, which will run over four years, is part of Tamkeen's efforts to identify skills gaps and provide training to enable Bahrainis to close these gaps, by identifying new career opportunities.

It is estimated that approximately 7,400 positions in the logistics sector will be created in the next four years.

'With the recent opening of the Khalifa bin Salman Port and the kingdom's ambitious plans to develop its industrial and retail sectors, supply chain management will be the next big thing in careers,' said Tamkeen human capital development senior manager Amal Kooheji.

'Our Skills Gaps Survey pointed out that Bahrainis were unaware of the career potential of this line and its adoption by industry and youth has been low. This is what Tamkeen is seeking to redress with this course.'

CIPS certification training is being provided by four training institutes in Bahrain, including BIRD (KPMG's training partner).

'We aim to train and qualify the first batch - Bahraini job-seekers (secondary school graduates and diploma holders) in an International Certificate in Supply Chain Management from Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply, UK,' said KPMG consultant and SCM project manager Gopika Beri.

The programme is scheduled to begin at BIRD on August 15.

The programme consists of free international certificate in supply chain management, industry orientation, job assistance (upon successful completion of programme) and free door-to-door transportation to the workplace.

Places in the course are open to Bahraini job-seekers with a minimum of secondary school certificate, or diploma holders from recognised institutes and universities.

The last day of registration is August 5.

For registration, candidates may contact Ms Beri or project co-ordinator Nawaf Shaheen on 39690262, or at BIRD, near Juffair Volleyball Dome, from 8am to 5pm from Sunday to Thursday, or e-mail them on bh-fmsupplychain@kpmg.com.

Application forms can also be downloaded at www.tamkeen.bh/supplychain and dropped at BIRD, Juffair.

'This strategic initiative by Tamkeen provides KPMG Fakhro with another opportunity to strengthen the role of Bahraini nationals in developing Bahrain's economy and raise our kingdom's profile locally and regionally,' said KPMG Fakhro managing partnerJamal Fakhro.

'The project will increase the skills and competencies of Bahrainis and enhance their employability in the logistics industry.'-TradeArabia News Service