Up to 20,000 people could benefit from a career initiative launched by Tamkeen, Bahrain’s labour fund, which aims to boost the productivity of participants, said a senior official.

A total of BD10.5 million ($27.8 million) has already been spent improving the skills of 5,000 workers, who were given 300,000 hours of training as part of the Tamkeen initiative.

It aims to provide the Bahraini workforce with the skills and qualifications to help them get promoted and acquire better salaries.

Another 4,000 Bahrainis enrolled in the scheme are due to benefit soon. Officials also hope to reach 11,000 more workers next year.

"More than 50 specialised training providers from Bahrain and abroad worked with Tamkeen's consultants to provide these training and development opportunities for career progression," said Tamkeen human capital development senior manager Amal Al Kooheji during an honouring ceremony at the Gulf Hotel.

"Since the programme began in 2007, more than 9,000 Bahrainis, mostly from the private sector, have enrolled. The third phase of the programme, to target a beneficiary group of 11,000 employees, will be launched early next year."

"Being highly trained is a key factor the programme is providing to make the Bahraini workforce equipped and qualified, which ultimately leads to promotion to higher job levels and on the upward mobility cycle," she said.

The programme aims to help maintain a dedicated, professional and satisfied body of workers that will lead to greater productivity and benefits to employers.

"The third phase of the programme will involve assisting employees at all salary levels with a focus on middle-income earners," she said.

"Tamkeen will spare no efforts in realising its objectives and capitalising on its training initiative to help Bahraini employees with 8,000 seats available to prospective beneficiaries," she said.

"The programme should translate into better-skilled workforce with improved retention rates and increased productivity,” Al Kooheji added. – TradeArabia News Service