Al Khaja explained that many sectors are increasingly seeking practical competence, adaptability, and the ability to learn quickly amid rapidly changing labour market requirements. This highlights the need to further develop partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector to help prepare a national workforce equipped with the skills and experience required by the market.
He affirmed that the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry has taken important steps to strengthen cooperation with universities and educational institutions through a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at supporting collaboration between academia and the private sector, enhancing practical training and applied research, and aligning academic projects with development and economic needs.
In this regard, he highlighted the memorandum of cooperation recently signed between the Chamber and the University of Bahrain, signed on behalf of the Chamber by H.E. Mr. Nabeel Khalid Kanoo, President of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and on behalf of the University by H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Bahrain. The memorandum aims to strengthen cooperation in applied research and practical training and align academic projects with the needs of the national economy.
Al Khaja explained that the Chamber believes in building on these agreements and memoranda of understanding and translating them into practical initiatives and programmes that are more closely aligned with labour market realities. This would help provide training and development opportunities that enhance the readiness of students and graduates and support the needs of various economic sectors.
He added that one of the initiatives the Chamber continues to develop is the “Try Work” programme, as a practical model that enables students and young people to experience the workplace and gain early hands-on experience. This strengthens their connection with the business environment and helps them develop their professional skills.
Al Khaja emphasized that investing in people and strengthening alignment between education and labour market needs are among the key pillars of economic development. He noted that the success of these efforts requires continued practical cooperation between educational institutions and the private sector, with a direct impact on preparing national talent and enhancing its competitiveness.
