Labour Minister charts path to workforce readiness in Bahrain

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Ensuring jobs for graduates is a priority for Labour Ministry, according to Jameel Humaidan, the Labour Minister. Not just any jobs. But that would meet their expertise and demand.

For this, the minister said they are partnering closely with educational institutions.

Their goal? To ensure that graduates step into the workforce fully equipped to tackle its demands head-on.

This proactive approach was outlined by the minister as he addressed a parliamentary query. Regular updates flow from the ministry’s databases and the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), offering insights into the most sought-after specialisations and occupations.

They’re not just identifying needs; they’re pinpointing areas where Bahraini talent is under-utilised.

Shura Council member Hani Al Saati queried the ministry on their strategies for meeting job market demands. In response, Humaidan shed light on their extensive collaborations with key players like the Higher Education Council, Ministry of Education, University of Bahrain, and Bahrain Polytechnic.

It’s a comprehensive network ensuring that graduates are tailor-made for the workforce’s evolving needs.

The ministry said they are actively bridging the gap between education and employment for new school graduates. By teaming up with the Ministry of Education, they’re integrating these graduates seamlessly into vocational education and training programmes.

It’s about presenting them with viable options, equipping them with essential skills, and opening doors to lucrative career paths. Steering students toward success doesn’t end there.

The ministry orchestrates career days at universities, guiding students toward the skills and occupations in high demand.

The Labour Ministry is collaborating closely with educational institutions in the Kingdom to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the job market, said Jameel Humaidan, the Labour Minister. The ministry, in collaboration with its partners, is also putting the finishing touches on the Professional Levels and Standards Project.

This ambitious endeavour aims to streamline professional licensing and regulate occupational practices, setting industry benchmarks and safeguarding standards.

Yet, amidst these strides, Humaidan said he is acutely aware of the disconnect between academic expertise and industry needs. He highlighted that the ministry is actively seeking solutions for specialisations encountering challenges in their integration into the workforce.

It’s a challenge they’re tackling head-on, actively seeking solutions to ensure that no specialisation is left behind in the journey toward workforce integration.