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Tamkeen's plan to train 200 Bahrainis in supply chain management with international certification has given a fillip to Bahrainis seeking new avenues of professional growth and wishing to contribute to national progress.
The project will be delivered by KPMG and its training partner Bahrain International Retail Development Centre (BIRD) and culminate in CIPS certification for 150 of the trainees while the other 50 will be awarded a KPMG - BIRD certificate in supply chain management.
The BD714,500 project, which will run over four years, is part of Tamkeen's efforts to identify skills gaps and provide training to enable Bahrainis to close these gaps by identifying new career opportunities.
It is estimated that approximately 7,400 positions in the logistics sector will be created in the next four years.
Amal Kooheji, senior manager, human capital development from Tamkeen, said: 'With the recent opening of the Khalifa bin Salman Port and the kingdom's ambitious plans to develop its industrial and retail sectors, supply chain management will be the 'next big thing' in careers.
'Our 'skills gaps survey' pointed out that Bahrainis were unaware of the career potential of this line and its adoption by industry and youth has been low. This is what Tamkeen is seeking to redress with this course.'
The certification being offered to beneficiaries is a course offered by CIPS - a leading body representing the field of purchasing and supply chain management. Established in 1932, it has become the central reference for industry best practice and code of conduct is the standard around the world.
In 1992, it was awarded a Royal Charter in recognition of their status as a centre of excellence and support for the profession.
In Bahrain, CIPS certification training is being offered by a few organisations. Candidates will get internationally-recognised certification in purchase and supply chain management.
CIPS certification training is being provided by four training Institutes in Bahrain including BIRD (KPMG's training partner), which has prior experience of running the CIPS certification training in the past.
'We aim to train and qualify the first batch of Bahraini job-seekers (secondary school graduates and diploma holders) in an international certificate in supply chain management from Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, UK. The programme is scheduled to begin at BIRD on August 15,' said KPMG Consultant & SCM project manager Gopika Beri.
The programme consists of free international certificate in supply chain management , industry orientation, job assistance (upon successful completion of programme) and free door-to-door transportation to the workplace.
Places in the course are open to Bahraini job-seekers with a minimum of secondary school certificate or diploma holders from recognised institutes and universities. The last day of registration is tomorrow.
For registration, candidates may contact Ms Beri, project co-ordinator Nawaf Shaheen on 39690262 or register at BIRD near Juffair Volleyball Dome from 8am to 5pm today and tomorrow or e-mail them on bh-fmsupplychain@kpmg.com. Application forms can also be downloaded at www.tamkeen.bh/supplychain and dropped at BIRD, Juffair.
'This strategic initiative by Tamkeen provides KPMG Fakhro with another opportunity to strengthen the role of Bahraini nationals in developing Bahrain's economy and raise our kingdom's profile locally and regionally,' said Jamal Fakhro, managing partner of KPMG Fakhro. 'The project will increase the skills and competencies of Bahrainis and enhance their employability in the logistics industry.
'This project also strengthens our association with Tamkeen, taking forward the relationship from EDSA and Mohasabha project already being implemented by KPMG.'
