Educationists and training providers discuss Bahrain's new Qualifications Framework

Also present were key representatives of the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, Economic Development Board, Tamkeen, Scottish Qualifications Authority and select members of Bahrain's media.

Bahrain's Qualifications Framework (BQF) is a Tamkeen initiative in conjunction with the Educational Reform board and will be delivered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The BQF is a much needed alignment of all academic and professional courses being offered in the Kingdom and will lay the criteria for employment recruitment.

"We at Tamkeen are honoured to play an active role in this vital and sensitive design phase of such a forward-thinking project. It ties in with our role as facilitators of change in the Kingdom. Tamkeen is charged with monitoring the needs of the labour market from the perspective of employers and employees and providing training and support so that they flourish.

"The Bahrain Qualifications Framework project aims at allowing tangible benefits of life-long learning available for anyone living on this island," said Dr. Al Baharna, "Whether we are talking about school or college students, or someone thinking of returning to learning, applying for a job, or considering taking their education and training to the next stage, it will be easier for everyone - learners, employers and providers - to understand a "national qualifications system". It will provide a way to compare qualifications, and to ensure that they are quality assured and recognised in Bahrain and abroad."

Ms. Aileen Ponton, Chief Executive of Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework started the conference by citing international developments in the area of establishing national qualifications frameworks that are becoming indispensable with the cross flow of talent across the globe. Addressing the gathering, Ms. Ponton said, "National Qualifications Frameworks are a global phenomenon being developed in over 100 countries worldwide. Strong stakeholder involvement is required to produce effective frameworks. Quality Assurance is a key component to ensure mutual trust within each country and across countries."

Mr. Martin Dodd, the team leader of the Scottish Qualifications Authority for Bahrain's National Qualifications Framework introduced and explained the project to the audience, stating, "The Scottish Qualifications Authority is delighted to have the opportunity to work with Tamkeen in developing a National Qualifications Framework for the Kingdom of Bahrain. There are currently many changes taking place in education and training under the EDB's Education Reform Board, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa. The Bahrain Qualifications Framework project is itself a key element in this changing landscape."

After Mr. Dodd's presentation, fellow team members Mr. John Lock, Mr. Bill Fairbairn and Mr. Peter Short individually headed three different group discussions under the title of opportunities and challenges of the National Qualifications Framework. Attendees participated in one of the three hour long group discussions most relevant to them, under the categories of Employers, Providers that included training providers, schools, universities and polytechnics, and Government Agencies.

The group discussion was followed by a plenary session led by Mr. Martin Dodd who summarised all the key components of the conference for all attendees. Mr. Ahmed Al Banna, Board Member, Tamkeen closed the conference with a vote of thanks.

"Much has been said about the Vision 2030 development matrix that our leaders have set forth and the empowerment of every Bahraini as a key stakeholder in the progress of the Kingdom. We believe that the building of a Bahraini Qualifications Framework is a vital component of these goals," commented Tamkeen's board member Mr. Ahmed Al Banna, at the end of a successful launch conference.