Bahrain Creates Professional Development Subsidy to Help Drive Private Sector Growth

MANAMA, Bahrain, July 26, 2011/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bahrain plans to subsidize half the costs of professional development for Bahrainis, ultimately leading to an improved skill set among nationals and encouraging the hiring of Bahrainis within the country.

Tamkeen, a semi-autonomous authority concerned with the prosperity of Bahrainis, will pay 50 percent of costs for those seeking professional qualifications in any subject. The plan is open to both the employed and unemployed in public and private sectors. 

"Tamkeen works under the philosophy that the future for Bahrainis is not created for them, but by them, and we are giving individuals and organizations the tools to make their own success," Enterprise and Human Capital Development Vice President Dr. Ahmed Al Shaikh said.

How it works: Companies select qualified Bahraini employees and train them either in-house or at an institution, according to Dr. Al Shaikh. Tamkeen then subsidizes the company for the training and funds an increase in the employee's monthly salary for 18 months upon training completion.

Beyond the training subsidy, other programs have been developed to prepare Bahrainis for the workforce and help drive private sector growth. Existing plans include a work ethics program for schools prior to graduation, a business development program to improve productivity, an accounting system program for SME's, a quality management system program and a technology assistance program. Foreign-owned companies are also eligible for all Tamkeen programs.

"Foreign organizations that employ Bahrainis are also eligible for our support schemes in both upskilling their labor force through our human capital development arm and developing their business through our private sector support programs," Dr. Al Shaikh said.

Tamkeen works with the Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and other organizations to help reinforce the government's mandate to implement labor market reform. Tamkeen develops strategic and tactical plans for fees collected by LMRA for investing in Bahraini employability, job creation, and social support

SOURCE Kingdom of Bahrain

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