LF support encourages Bahrain call centre industry
BD 680,000 training package for 300 call centre jobs
The Labour Fund yesterday announced that it will collaborate with MENA Business Services to help 300 school-leaving Bahrainis attain the necessary skills to take advantage of the job opportunities in the remote call centre services industry.
MENA Business Services (MBS), a company specialising in the provision of call centre services with presence across the Arabian Gulf, currently handles business contracts worth over US$150,000,000 and is undergoing a major expansion plan that will see its business grow significantly. This is expected to increase the demand for skilled Bahrainis who intend to enter the job market on completing their secondary school education.
The LF-supported training project will equip 200 young job-seekers with the necessary competencies to work as Customer Service Representatives representing various clients who operate in sectors such as retail, telecommunications, banking and services. A further 100 Bahrainis will be trained to assume the role of Medical Coordinators who will provide medical records transcription services for single or multi-physician practices or large healthcare and allied health organisations across the globe.
"This is an exciting new chapter in the Labour Fund-supported initiatives because it shows that an increasing number of Bahrain companies trust the Labour Fund and seek out its help, not just in monetary terms but in crucial aspects of training and resource development," said Labour Fund's Acting Chief Executive Mr. Abdulellah Al Qassimi, "The development of a viable call centre industry in Bahrain will not only generate knowledge-based jobs but also go a long way towards creating a knowledge industry in the Kingdom, which is the ultimate vision of the Kingdom’s leadership."
He added, "What is particularly encouraging is that this is one of a series of employment and training that respond to specific needs of employers and is a clear proof that private sector employers are becoming increasingly willing to contribute with the Labour Fund in helping young Bahrainis build the talents that will make them employees of choice."
The scope of LF’s support in this particular project includes the extension of stipends in the duration of both programmes. The Customer Service Representative programme will cost BD 400,000 which includes training and stipend while the Medical Coordinators Programme will cost another BD 280,000. The project is expected to be completed in December 2009 and the 300 trainees will be offered a minimum salary of BD300 plus other allowances.
Mr. Ali Al Hashmi, Chairman and CEO of Mena Business Services, noted that call centre professionals are sought-after globally and a well-structured training programme can boost the earning power of an individual and a business dramatically. He said Bahrainis are particularly suited for such careers because they naturally possess strong interpersonal skills and come with a strong basic education. “This career option also resonates culturally with Bahrainis since it emphasises both education and service. This project has been carefully designed with inputs from the Labour Fund and it not only meets our growing needs at MBS but also taps into a new career field for young Bahrainis,” added Mr. Al Hashimi.
Dr Ahmed Abdulghani Al Shaikh, Vice President Enterprise and Human Capital Development, reiterated that the Labour Fund is continuously seeking opportunities to let Bahrainis know of career opportunities in fields previously not exploited by locals. “With new global trends and changes in the occupational mix come new jobs that were virtually unknown to Bahrainis wishing to enter the labour market. Part of what we do at the Labour Fund focuses on identifying such opportunities where the reward levels are suited to the needs of job seekers.” Dr Ahmed concluded by encouraging private sector organisations wishing to expand their operations to seek LF’s help in preparing a base of talented nationals who will contribute to the successes of their organisations through relevant skill sets and improved job readiness levels.
