Tamkeen opens new career door for engineers with quantity surveyor training programme

The BD558,600 project will be conducted in association with Heriott Watt University in Scotland and will run over two years and has been initiated by Tamkeen as part of its efforts to act upon the findings of the Skill Gaps survey that indicated a need for quantity surveyors for Bahrain's ambitious infrastructural expansion and busy construction industry.

"This signing is a clear indication of Tamkeen's clarity of focus in implementing the findings of its surveys and creating new areas of career growth for Bahrainis," said Tamkeen's Chief Executive Abdulellah Al Qassimi, "We are particularly pleased with this project because it taps vital career opportunities in civil engineering which is an area that embraces the construction industry that is labour-intensive and which many companies find difficult to nationalise. I think this sends out a clear message of the opportunities available for Bahrainis if they only had access to the necessary training."

According to BTI's Director General, Hameed Saleh, BTI will invite applications from Bahraini civil engineering graduates and successful candidates will take the 6-month training course to qualify as quantity surveyors. The training programme is expected to begin within the next few weeks at the BTI premises.

"Certified Bahraini quantity surveyors can enjoy plenty of opportunities for progress and job satisfaction and it is a chance for Bahrainis to be directly involved in the shaping of modern Bahrain," Mr. Saleh said.

Dr Ahmed Abdulghani Al Shaikh, Tamkeen's Vice President for Enterprise and Human Capital Development pointed out to the significant shortages witnessed in engineering professionals who lack the recognition of professional industry associations, in addition to the academic qualifications they hold and stressed on Tamkeen's efforts to support the emergence of a new generation of professionals who hold relevant certification from professional institutes.

"Tamkeen is continuing efforts to provide the means and competencies to Bahraini nationals who wish to be recognised as employees of choice. This programme's association with the Heriot Watt University, one of Scotland's oldest and most highly rated universities and an internationally renowned leader in construction research and education with established links to the professional institutes in the UK, is further proof of our intentions." He said.

BTI was awarded the contract for the quantity surveyor training programme as a result of a public tender in search of an institute with an outstanding training reputation and it's association with an education powerhouse. According to Tamkeen, BTI's offer was adjudged the best in both technical and financial aspects among the bids that came in from training providers.