Bahrain's labour fund Tamkeen is set to launch second phase of Bahraini Qualifications Framework (BQF), one of the most important initiatives for the development of education and training in the kingdom.

The programme is a joint venture with the Quality Assurance Authority for Education and Training (Qaaet), and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), which signed an agreement to push ahead with the programme.

Tamkeen will continue to support the project in the next phase by setting up a BQF unit within Qaaet at an estimated cost of BD1.809 millon ($4.8 million) with the SQA taking on the responsibility for implementing the main processes for this task.

The BQF unit at Qaaet is expected to commence operations by 2014.

Tamkeen's support for the project includes covering the cost of consultant responsible for setting standards for the implementation of the framework, preparing resources and training workshops to promote awareness among concerned stakeholders and beneficiaries, developing strategic and operational plans and running pilot studies in preparation to full launch.

The support budget also covers wages and training of the unit staff and preparation of the unit's office and systems.

'This national project is a key element in the reform and development of the private sector we hope to achieve,' said Tamkeen chief executive Mahmood Al Kooheji.

'Identifying the required skills and knowledge in all stages of education and training within a formal framework will help further crystallise our vision, and keep the human capital development programmes in step with the requirements of the labour market,' he added.

Qaaet chief executive Dr Jawaher Al Mudhaki said the second phase of the BQF will serve as a roadmap which underpins the framework's success in realising its objectives.

'These objectives form a key part of the efforts to reform the education and training sector in the kingdom, especially as it relates to Qaaet's mission of enhancing the culture of quality performance of the educational and training establishments and their output,' she said.

'The SQA is honoured to have been awarded this opportunity to continue our work on the Bahrain Qualifications Framework,' said SQA chief executive Dr Janet Brown.

'We look forward to working in partnership with Tamkeen and Qaaet on this crucial next phase of work, establishing the robust systems to ensure an effective future for the BQF and its governance.'

BQF aims to clarify the relationship between academic and professional qualifications offered by various educational and training establishments in the kingdom across all levels and specialisations, with a view to promoting awareness of the importance of focusing on the learning outcomes, beginning with the design of educational and training programmes on pace with the evolving demands of the labour market.-TradeArabia News Service