The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) has launched a new international placement programme (IPP) for young Bahraini graduates and professionals this week during its business development roadshow to France and Germany.

The new programme, to be overseen by Tamkeen, will provide young Bahrainis with the opportunity to learn a new language and culture while providing practical, long-term work experience in one of Bahrain’s key trading partners.

The IPP seeks to create a cluster of young Bahraini professionals with international experience working in the home markets of key international companies worldwide including French and German companies.

During the first five months of the programme, the candidates will learn the local language before taking on a work placement with one of the corporate partners to this initiative.

The objective of the programme will be for candidates to gain the necessary expertise and skills to take on challenging positions within the companies’ Bahrain operations on their return to the Kingdom.

Speaking at Gala dinners in Paris and Berlin where the IPP was launched, EDB chief executive  Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa al-Khalifa, said:  “Bahrain prides itself on the investment already undertaken in education and skills training. Already, we are recognised for the highly skilled workforce we offer to international companies looking to base operations in the GCC.'

'However, improvements can still be made. The IPP will provide a fast track for talented Bahrainis and enable our international business partners based in Bahrain to draw on an ever wider talent pool,' he noted.

Tamkeen CEO Mahmood Al Kooheji said: 'The IPP provides opportunities to young Bahrainis to gain international work experience, skills and professional knowledge which they can use to great effect on their return to Bahrain.'

'It will enable them to gain a cross-cultural understanding on business demands and help develop a global perspective ever necessary in the competitive and interdependent international marketplace,' he remarked.
 
Tamkeen, he said, will provide funds and oversee this programme in conjunction with local educational establishments and international private sector partners.

'To date leading firms including GSE, Groupe-6, Unanime and Technal of France, and Hochtief, RMA and BASF of Germany have all signed up for the programme. More companies are due to confirm over the coming days,' said Al Kooheji.

Placements are expected to incorporate a range of professional disciplines, including banking, finance, accounting, ICT, architecture and engineering, he added.-TradeArabia News Service