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A HIGHER Institute for Youth Training and Qualification to equip young Bahrainis with practical skills for the labour market is set for debate during Parliament’s weekly session on Tuesday.
The proposal by MP Lulwa Al Romaihi would see the new institute, affiliated with the Labour Ministry or Tamkeen (Labour Fund), offering two-year diploma programmes in various vocational fields for high school graduates.
She said the proposal aligned with Article 13 (b) of the Constitution, which mandates the state to ensure employment opportunities and fair working conditions for its citizens.
The proposal aims to:
- Combat unemployment by providing structured training programmes that align with market needs, increasing young Bahrainis’ employability.
- Encourage youth to explore entrepreneurship and skilled professions as viable career paths.
- Strengthen Bahrain’s economy by fostering a highly skilled workforce.
“While Bahrain has several training centres, there is no dedicated higher institute that comprehensively equips young people with the necessary skills for today’s job market,” said Ms Al Romaihi.
Legal Affairs Minister and acting Labour Minister Yousif Khalaf highlighted Bahrain’s existing training ecosystem.
“The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) focuses on finance and insurance, while Bahrain Institute of Public Administration (BIPA) offers administrative training,” he explained.
“Additionally, Bahrain Polytechnic’s apprenticeship programme and Shaikh Nasser Centre for Vocational Training provide technical and professional training.
“The ministry has licensed 70 private training institutes covering fields such as engineering, healthcare, industry, languages and IT.”
He added that Tamkeen provided skill development programmes for job-seekers and employees, including corporate training support, professional certification programmes and global internship initiatives.
Tamkeen chief executive Maha Mofeez highlighted the fund’s active role in workforce development, noting that more than 10,000 Bahrainis received training support in 2023 through partnerships with 100+ local and international institutions.
The Youth Pioneer Society, however, emphasised the need to close the skills gap between education and labour market needs.
Parliament’s services committee chairwoman Jalila Al Sayed stressed the importance of integrating vocational training into Bahrain’s economic vision.
“We must ensure that any new training institution complements existing initiatives rather than duplicates them,” she added.
“Our focus should be on enhancing quality, updating curricula and fostering public-private partnerships to bridge Bahrain’s skills gap.”
Other proposals set for debate are:
- Constructing a multi-storey community hall in Capital Governorate Constituency Seven.
- Connecting temporary electricity and water for homes and buildings under construction.
- Opening housing services’ offices across Bahrain’s four governorates.
- Developing the Sitra Central Market.
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