A new ‘taster’ programme focused on preparing young individuals with additional learning needs for the workplace has been launched, highlighting Bahrain’s inclusive spirit.
GFH Alia National School, an institution for both neurotypical and neurodivergent students, has announced the Alia Training Taster Programme.
The initiative is directed towards Grade 10, 11 and 12 pupils and offers a supported, ‘no-obligation’ introduction to the workplace. This means, companies will only train the participants without any compulsion to hire or pay them.
“The Taster placement is a training placement and not an employment contract,” GFH Alia National School programme co-ordinator Khalid Al Awadhi told the GDN. “It is designed around the Bahrain working week of Sunday to Thursday. Right now, we are focusing on Grade 10, 11 and 12 and have around 20 students in the first batch of trainees.”
There are plans to expand to university students in the second phase of the project,” he added.
Mr Al Awadhi noted that any student with learning difficulties is eligible for the programme – whether neurotypical and neurodivergent.
Several studies indicate that supported real-world work experience benefits those with learning difficulties, building confidence and work-readiness. Furthermore, employers are more likely to hire candidates with practical workplace skills.
The programme seeks to understand not only students but also the corporate sector and its requirements thus providing a sustainable solution to learning and employment. Candidates will take on meaningful, age-appropriate tasks in real work setups with the school arranging for a job coach where necessary.
The Grade 10 Training Taster Programme entails training for one day a week across four to six weeks, sampling different employers; the Grade 11 Extended Work Experience includes one to two days a week across a school term and the Grade 12 Supported Internship features two to three days a week with a single employer.
“Every young person deserves the chance to show what they can do,” he added. “A supported Taster placement lets a potential employer witness a student’s strengths firsthand, with our team beside them at every step.
“We are not asking for ‘charity’ – we are offering a partnership that builds more inclusive workplaces and helps our students take real steps towards adulthood and employment,” Mr Al Awadhi explained.
The programme will build on past placements that students have successfully completed with leading Bahraini organisations, including Alosra Supermarket, LuLu Hypermarket, Al Baraka Bank and Downtown Rotana.
Moving forward, the school is seeking to expand its network of host worksites across retail, hospitality, banking, healthcare, offices, facilities and community services.
GFH Alia National School president Dr Shaikha Rania Al Khalifa is well-known in the local community as a champion of inclusivity. The GDN has previously reported on her many initiatives to induct the differently abled into the mainstream, including Bahrain’s first and only café run by autistic individuals, as well as her significant achievements as the head of Alia for Early Intervention Centre.
n Interested organisations can contact 33225325 for more information. Employers who take part will be recognised as Inclusive Worksite Partners, with Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum recognition according to their level of involvement.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
Alia Training Taster Programme categories:
* Grade 10 Training Taster Programme: Students train for one day a week across four to six weeks, sampling different employers
* Grade 11 Extended Work Experience: Students pursue the placement for one to two days a week across a school term, sampling different employers
* Grade 12 Supported Internship: Students get a more focused experience, featuring two to three days a week with a single employer
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