Addressing a graduation ceremony of the 1st Batch of trainees of the National Institute of Industrial Training, Dr. Fakhro said that the Kingdom of Bahrain has to be proud of this unique organization to which it gives its full support, as it constitutes an important pillar of industrial activity and has contributed in no small measure to the sustained economic growth which has been witnessed by the country from this sector; a sector which the Government has prioritized in the National Strategy, The Economic Vision 2030.
He added that the graduation of the first batch of trainees was a testament to the hard work of all involved, and builds on the successes achieved by many ambitious Bahrainis from all walks of the professions who have undergone vocational, technical, educational and postgraduate training experiences both in Bahrain and outside Bahrain in the years following the oil boom, in order to meet the requirements of our emerging industries.
Industrial and vocational training is only the first step in a long journey, which needs to be followed through successive training and development to continue meeting the changing needs of industry, in particular the oil industry, which is at the heart of industrial development not only in Bahrain, but in the whole Arabian Peninsula. Bahrain today still needs qualified Bahrainis to perform the required roles, especially at this stage which is witnessing a significant recovery in terms of economic activity.
Dr. Fakhro confirmed that Bahrainis are trainable and have a long history of being so, special in the oil Industry, in Bapco, that dates to the 1930’s, that created first class professionals. Regrettably, the Bapco experience or experiment was discontinued few decades ago.
The continuing development and expansion of the industrial sector is an important element in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce strategy in support of achieving the goals of Vision 2030; and the process of training and development of the human element is at the top of its priorities and objectives.
Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, more than two centuries ago and the emergence of large industrial cities, which today attract major companies, factories and institutions and global services; Governments, and indeed companies, have recognized the need for industrial and vocational training in order to develop a skilled workforce. In Bahrain the establishment of a national institute for industrial training came as the result of collaboration of different stakeholders in the private sector to create a pool of trained workers to meet the growing demands and job specializations of the various industrial establishments.
“Today we see a dream come true, due to Government support and the efforts of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in addition to the participation and support of industrial companies in the Institute; we are here to celebrate together this historical moment and congratulate the graduates on receiving their scientific qualifications that will prepare them to play their part in the development of our country, and in so doing achieve the aspiration of the Leadership and Government.”
“This achievement may seem modest, but it is in fact an essential building block, which hopefully will make a quantum leap in the economic development of the Kingdom of Bahrain. With the determination of everyone, the National Institute of Industrial Training will be the core of higher education in the professional and industry fields. We believe that hundreds if not thousands of young Bahrainis will benefit from this Institute, and it will consequently benefit the industrial sector. In addition, it will put the Kingdom of Bahrain in a leading position in the region in terms industrial education and training, and it is the duty of both the Government of Bahrain and the Private Sector, to enhance the role of the institute and develop it still further,” Dr Fakhro added.