iGA hosts induction for second batch participants in Technical Development Programme

Manama, The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) hosted an induction at their premises in Muharraq for the second batch of participants in the Technical Development Programme that consists of graduates from IT fields registered on the unemployment insurance programme in the Ministry of Labour. The meeting was attended by Mohamed Ali Al Qaed, iGA Chief Executive; iGA senior management, directors, and the programme's administrative team. Al Qaed congratulated the second batch participants on their selection, wishing them all success. He commended the support received by the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and emphasised the directives of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology (MCICT), which are aimed at enhancing the programme and its alignment with evolving labour market needs and technological advancements . iGA Chief Executive underscored the programme's role in fostering skilled nationals for more effective contributions to technical fields. The programme, endorsed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, is a major strategic project in which the iGA is tasked with equipping Bahrainis with practical experience and professional certifications, preparing them for employment in both the public and private sectors. This initiative also aimed at enhancing their employability in technical fields within the government sector. Al Qaed also emphasised that the programme's success relies on Bahraini youth's dedication, innovation, and excellence in working on assigned projects. He urged the second batch to embrace this approach and learn from the first batch's experience in implementing technological initiatives related to digital transformation, operations, and governance within the iGA. He advised the second batch participants to establish continuous communication with their on-the-job training team. He encouraged feedback, proactiveness, and constructive ideas to help develop their skills and improve the outcomes of technical tasks. Al Qaed outlined the program for the second batch participants, including on-the-job training in technical departments within the iGA and academic training to meet the requirements of globally-recognised professional certifications in the field of ICT at the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF). The programme will also enhance their skills and allow them to engage with officials, experts, and specialists from the government and private sectors. The Technical Development Programme provides intensive on-the-job training for 240 Bahrainis aged 21 to 30 with a bachelor's degree registered in the national unemployment programme. The programme lasts three years, offers comprehensive ICT on-job training by the iGA, and monthly salaries from the Ministry of Labour. Successful completion grants participants globally recognised professional certificates from an inter nationally accredited institute. The iGA, in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, organised the graduation ceremony for the first batch of participants this year. 67 participants successfully fulfilled the graduation requirements and obtained two professional certificates each, out of the total 80 individuals enrolled. Among the graduates, 43 received job opportunities including 24 in the public sector and 17 in the private sector. As the recruitment of 10 more participants in the program is underway, the total number of individuals benefiting from job opportunities will increase to 53. Source: Bahrain News Agency