Establishing a “National Observatory” for Bahrainising jobs was a proposal that was recently rejected by the government, as they believe the ongoing development of the “Skills Bahrain” initiative is already addressing the same objectives. The initiative, funded by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and implemented by the Information and eGovernment Authority, aims to act as a central employment platform for both job seekers and employers.
The proposed observatory, put forward by MP Mohammed Al Hussaini who lost his parliamentary seat in July 2023, aimed to provide accurate and up-to-date data on current and potential job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. However, the government believes that “Skills Bahrain” will serve this purpose by providing information on job seekers’ qualifications, specialisations, and experience, as well as available vacancies, national employment and training processes, and unemployment benefits.
The government also highlighted that the “Skills Bahrain” project will generate reports for both domestic and international purposes, in addition to providing data on essential skills and job requirements. This information will inform future policies for government institutions and higher education establishments and ultimately enhance educational outcomes to meet labour market needs.
In an effort to align education with market needs, the Ministry of Labour is working on establishing professional levels and skill assessments for issuing professional licenses. This is aimed at regulating professions within the labour market and setting professional standards. Additionally, collaborative efforts are being made to align university curricula with labour market demands, involving key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education, the Higher Education Council, and the University of Bahrain.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Labour is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to integrate new school graduates into vocational education and training programmes. Experienced mentors will guide and train students and job seekers, while training courses will be provided for educators at various levels. This initiative focuses on in-demand specialisations and addresses challenges faced by graduates in specific fields, ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills for the job market.
Overall, while the proposal for a “National Observatory” was rejected, the government’s focus on initiatives such as “Skills Bahrain” and efforts to align education with market needs demonstrate a commitment to enhancing employment opportunities and addressing the needs of the labour market in Bahrain. By working towards ensuring that job seekers are equipped with the necessary skills and qualifications and that employers have access to a centralized employment platform, Bahrain is taking steps towards a more efficient and productive workforce.
