THE initial findings of a study that aims to identify the skills shortages affecting Bahrain's economy is to be released next week, officials have confirmed.
The conclusions will be discussed during the First Regional Skills Gaps Conference, taking place at the Gulf Hotel on November 19.
It will be held under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, who will also attend the event.
The Labour Fund, now known as Tamkeen, commissioned the one-year BD500,000 study to examine the exact needs of Bahrain's labour market.
Tamkeen chief executive Abdulellah Al Qassimi said the conference would help decision-makers, students and employers to determine the needs of specific sectors.
"The study, carried out by Australian company Allen Consulting Group, will be completed by March next year after which the results will be available for those who wish to make use of them," he said at a Press conference at Tamkeen headquarters in Sanabis.
The study, assisted by Ernst&Young in Bahrain, surveyed businesses, employees, educational institutions and new graduates to provide detailed data on the anticipated skills gaps in the next five years.
"Not only will the study reveal what jobs are in demand and what skills employers need, it will also determine what salaries are expected to be given and received in the next few years," said Mr Al Qassimi.
"More than 200 people are expected to attend the day-long deliberations and we expect the participants to discuss the results and give their opinion.
"We shall also know from the participants how they react to a 'change in direction' if there is one."
Mr Al Qassimi said the patronage of the event by Shaikh Mohammed underlines the government's interest in such an important issue.
"The study is expected to provide a wealth of data and information to assist in identifying and validating projected skills gaps across the economy in order to support and reinforce the strategic alignment of Tamkeen's programmes with the needs and requirements of the private sector," he told the media.
Mr Al Qassimi said officials were looking forward to utilising the final analysis to enhance the strategic reach of human capital development programmes and effectively support the prosperous growth and development of the national work force.
"We are anticipating that the conference will provide an opportunity for key stakeholders and intellectuals to discuss Bahrain's human capital needs," he said.
Allen Consulting Group director Professor Stephen Bartos said the study was a groundbreaking exercise that would put Bahrain at the forefront in the Gulf in its efforts to build a skilled economy.
"No country can invest in all possible skills at the same time," he said.
"That is why a good information base on which to base decisions is so important - it helps ensure that the most important gaps can be dealt with as a priority and that the overall needs of the nation are met in a strategic way."
Ernst&Young business advisory solutions director Samer Al Ajjawi revealed the study was being carried out in two components, targeting workers, employers, graduates and private universities and educational institutions and 'economic modelling'.
"A total of 1,200 employees, a similar number of employers, 300 graduates, representatives of 10 private universities and 20 other educational institutions were interviewed as part of the survey," he said.
mandeep@gdn.com.bh
