ANNUALREPORT2009...2010/12/12 · Dr. Hussain Mohammed Al Mahdi Member Mr. Ebrahim Hamad Abdulla...

Training leading to excellence

MINISTRY OF LABOURHigh Council for Vocational Training

ANNUALREPORT2009BAHRAIN TRAINING INSTITUTE

Designed by: Mrs. Saru SinghInstructor, Art and Design DivisionBahrain Training Institute

His Majesty King HamadBen Isa Al KhalifaThe King of Bahrain

H.R.H. Prince Khalifa Ben Salman Al Khalifa

The Prime Minister

H.R.H. Prince Salman BenHamad Al Khalifa

The Crown Prince

Enhancing Capabilities and Building Opportunities

Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Ben Salman Al Khalifa, a graduation ceremony was held in May, 2009 to Celebrate the Graduation of 1174 trainees.

BTI Annual Report 2009

2009MINISTER OF LABOUR STATEMENT

DIRECTOR GENERAL STATEMENT

VISION and MISSION STATEMENTS

BOARD MEMBERS

Organisational Structure

Bahrain Training Institute [BTI] Profile

Founding Philosophy

Strategic Objectives

2009 Major Achievements

Patnership with Organisations

Training AffairsTraining Programmes

Regular Programmes

Corporate Programmes

Trainees AffairsAdmission and Registration

Guidance and Counseling

Graduate Recuitment Centre [GRC]

Learning Resources Centre [LRC]

Planning and DevelopmentPlanning

Curriculum Development

Training and Labour Research

Quality Assurance

Administration and Finance AffairsHuman Resource

Training and Staff Development

Financial Information

Information System

Public Relations and MediaOfficial and VIP Visits

Memoranda of Understanding

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08

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17

25

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BTI received Edexel award for being a “Centre of Excellence” based on precise criteria, most importantly the provision of practical and theoretical training of excellence. The high rates of BTI graduates’ recruitment, the implementation of a system of excellence for quality control that focuses on On-The-Job Training programmes, as well as designing and implementing an innovative training and staff development programmes, are also a part of BTI’s achievement.

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3H.E. Minister of Labour Statement

A decade of excellence

Bahrain Training Institute has successfully completed the first decade of the new millennium achieving most of its targets. The most distinguished and notable indication of such success was the design and implementation of training programmes that received appreciation from major international training institutions.

Within a decade, BTI received an award as a “Centre of Excellence”, three times from Edexcel; a distinguished Vocational Accreditation body in UK; quite a unique unprecedented achievement by an institute in the Middle East. The award of excellence was based on several precise criteria, most importantly the provision of practical and theoretical training of excellence. This is also based on the high rates of BTI graduates’ recruitment due to the close links between BTI training programmes and the needs and requirements of the labour market. The achievements can also be attributed to the implementation of a system of excellence for quality control that focuses on On-the-Job Training programmes, as well as on designing and implementing innovative training and staff development programmes.

In addition to that, the Institute received a regional certificate for being a Cisco Networking “Centre of Excellence” in the Gulf and Pakistan; an international confirmation of the credibility and methodology of BTI. In this regard, other awards and certificates of appreciation recieved by BTI should be highlighted; these were from the World Bank, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other leading international organizations.

In this context of international recognition for the “excellence” of BTI integrated network for the rehabilitation, preparation and development of human resources; the Institute earned the trust of major companies and institutions from the private and public sectors in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and managed to be engaged in active partnerships with various leading organizations.

It is a fact that the achievements made by BTI over a decade, were due to the support and trust it received from the Bahraini Government, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad Ben Isa Al Khalifa, supported by His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Ben Salman Al Khalifa and the continuous follow-up by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Salman Ben Hamad Al Khalifa.

All of these factors created a national stigmatized model that achieved its objectives and aims thanks to Bahraini potential and efforts. This has strengthened the links between BTI senior and executive management and its employees, trainees and their parents and, last but not least, those business managers who would either recruit BTI graduates or utilize BTI expertise in developing their staff skills and capabilities.

Dr. Majeed Ben Mohsen Al Alawi Minister of LabourChairman of the High Council for Vocational Training


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Several factors have contributed to BTI various achievements; the depth of BTI relations with organizations of the private and public sectors comes at the forefront of such factors. This has also contributed to the formation of a focal solid link that enabled BTI to adapt an ongoing curriculum development to suit the changing needs of the labour market.



5Director-General Statement

The kind care and support BTI received from our prudent leadership was the foundation of our distinguished progress towards excellence. In accordance to the vision of His Majesty King Hamed Ben Isa Al Khalifa, people are the focal points around which ideas, plans and programmes are centered. The vision was also endorsed, supported and emphasized in different circles and occasions by His Royal Highness the Prime Minister and His Royal Highness Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander.

In accordance to this support, the Institute adapted a clear methodology in dealing with its strategic objectives. This has qualified BTI to have a prominent place locally, regionally and internationally, drawing on various factors that led to the formulation of its success. BTI has undertaken a leading role in the development of training programmes and in the training of all categories of job seekers and employees of the public and private sectors. This is linked to the fact that BTI maintained its identity and the foundations of its leadership; through the implementation of an outstanding quality control system.

Several factors have contributed to BTI’s various achievements; the depth of BTI relations with organizations of the private and public sectors comes at the forefront of such factors. Such relations gave the institute a distinguished momentum in the implementation of its training mission and vision. This has also contributed to the formation of a focal solid link that enabled BTI to adapt an ongoing curriculum development that is in harmony with the changing needs of the labour market. Partnership is a key word in various achievements.

The depth of BTI links and communication with the public and private sectors, also, resulted in the implementation of a remarkable project for expansion that received the blessing of Bahrain’s wise leadership and the support of the Shura Council the Council of Representatives, underlining the importance of BTI and its training services for the Kingdom of Bahrain.

We extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to His Excellency the Minister of Labour, Chairman of the High Council for Vocational Training for his confidence and faith in the national talents that contributed to the achievements of BTI. We also express our appreciation for all staff and trainees of this outstanding national edifice.

Hameed Saleh Director-General


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FOCUSED MANAGEMENT and LEADERSHIP VISION


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Vision

To be recognized as the leading Vocational Education and Training provider in the region striving to be a learning institution of excellence.

Mission

• Toservethevocationalandtrainingneedsofthenation.• Toproviderelevanttrainingprogrammessupportedbysuitablefacilitiesandequipmentandmeeting international accreditation requirements.• Toprovideaninstitutional,studentandadministrativesupportenvironmentthatreflectexcellencein systems and practices.• Toprovidevisionfocusedmanagementandleadership.• Toadoptatraineecenteredapproach.• To provide pathways to HND Graduates.

Vision and Mission

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8 Board Members

Mr. Hassan Saleh SulaibeekhMember

Mr. Talal Mohammed Al MannaiMember

Eng. Fadhel Mallalla Al AnssariMember

Mr. Redha Ahmed HubailChairman

Mr. Abbas Abdul Mohsen RadhiVice Chairman


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Eng. Khalid Fatehalla MohammedMember

Dr. Hussain Mohammed Al MahdiMember

Mr. Ebrahim Hamad AbdullaMember

Mrs. Baheja Mohammed Al DaylamiMember

Eng. Hameed Saleh AbdullaMember and Director-General


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The Institute’s operations are conducted by four main bodies: Training Affairs, Trainee Affairs Department, Planning and Development Department, and Administration and Finance Affairs in addition to the Information System Division. These departments comprise a number of sections.

Chairman, Board of Director

GraduateRecruitment Centre

Admission and Registration


Learning ResourcesCentre

Safety and Security

Maintenanceand Services

Purchasing andContracts

Financial Affairs

Human Resources

Quality Assurance

Training andLabour Research

Planning


CommercialStudies

Communications and Languages

Corporate Training Centre

Art and Design

Travel and Tourism Academy

Mechanical and Motor Vehicle

IT Academy

Civil Engineering

Electrical andElectronics

Instrumentation and Chemical

Maths and Science

Health, Safetyand Environment

Internal Auditor

Director General

Planning and DevelopmentDepartment

Trainee AffairsDepartment

Admin and FinanceAffairs

Business and Art Department

Engineering and IT Department

TrainingAffairs

Organisational Structure

Public Relationsand Media

InformationSystem

ProjectsStaff Relation and

Motivation


Bahrain Training Insti

tute



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TRAINING LEADING TO EXCELLENCE



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“ Efficiency, effectiveness,quality and participation”

As one of the leading training organizations in the Middle East, BTI maintained outstanding performance and progressed from one stage to the next in the design, development and delivery of industry-specific training and rehabilitation programmes. Since its establishment in 1979 by the High Council for Vocational Training as a “Vocational Training Centre” and then after restructuring it in 1992, BTI has always had a leading role in providing the highest standard of vocational training that caters to the needs and ongoing developments of different sectors of the labour market from engineering to services and information technology.

Since its inception in 1992, BTI has played a key role in meeting the needs of the labour market and trainees by providing quality education and training, qualifying Bahrainis to become a trained workforce that has all the potentials, skills and capabilities thus making them the employees of choice.

BTI Profile


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In its pursuit of excellence, BTI subscribes to the following values:

• To view excellence as the combination of efficiency, effectiveness, quality, equality and participation.

• To view staff as its most valuable resource whose development and well-being is to be nurtured.

• To function as a learning organization utilizing the capacity and talents of its staff in dealing with organizational issues.

• To operate in a transparent, ethical and accountable manner.

Founding Philosophy

The founding philosophy of BTI, identified by the Council of Ministers on 23rd August 1992 is:

• To meet the training needs of the manufacturing, commercial, servicing and construction companies.

• To provide the national workforce with the necessary vocational skills that enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of industrial performance.

• To enhance the employability skills of job seekers in light of the country’s labour force needs in different occupational sectors.

• To train Bahraini youth to establish and manage small enterprises.

• To contribute in the development and reinforcement of the role of Bahrain as regional hub of human resource development.

Strategic Objectives

• Strengthen the quality of training and assessment.• Maintain and enhance trainee experience• Develop BTI Staff.• Improve operational practices and enhance

processes.

• Initiate improvements to infrastructure and facilities

• Maintain financial stability.• Enhance BTI's reputation and visibility.• Improve BTI’s culture and work environment.• Provide training solutions to Bahrain’s market needs.

Previous Achievements

• In 1994, BTI was recognized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as a model training organization. Five years later, in 1999, ILO praised BTI for the second time for the efficiency, effectiveness and relevance of its training programmes to the labour market.

• In 1995, the World Bank (WB) praised BTI for its outstanding initiatives and high performance.

• In 1998, the United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO) selected BTI as an outstanding organization in the Middle East for the delivery of small business enterprise programmes.

• In 2000, the International Federation for Training and Development Organization (IFTDO) selected it as one of the 12 high performance work place (HPWP) organizations, worldwide.

• Edexcel selected BTI as a regional Centre of Excellence for the third time in a span of 8 years; first in 2001, second in 2004 and third in 2008.

• In 2007, BTI was ranked 13 among 34 International Universities in SAE Super-mileage Competition, in USA, to manufacture a fuel economy car.

2009 Major Achievements

• BTI was ranked 19th among 45 International universities in the Society of Automotive Engineers “SAE” Super Mileage Competition, held in Michigan State in USA .

• Selected as the best CISCO Regional Academy in MENA and Pakistan region.

• A BTI staff was awarded the best Academy Instructor.

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Partnership with Organisations

BTI is so committed to providing the highest standards of vocational training in Bahrain that great importance is attached to trainees having opportunities to gain internationally recognized qualifications. Thus, the Institute has forged alliances to deliver certificate, diploma, and bachelor level programmes with a number of external accreditation bodies as shown below:

Training Affairs



INNOVATION THROUGHREALISTIC SIMULATION

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Training Programmes

Over the years and since its establishment, BTI has committed itself to act as a production line for the development, delivery and design of various vocational and professional training programmes. It has more than 46 training programmes of added value that are linked directly to the labour market requirements. These range from tailor-made short courses to Bachelor degrees designed in accordance to the needs and requirements of the labour market. The output of such programmes will be highly qualified graduates who can easily fit in a rapidly evolving world of work. The training programmes are all conducted and supervised through the training department and run in two types:• Regular full-time programmes designed for job

seekers.• Corporate training short courses.

The regular programmes are multi-level programmes varying from one to two years and are accredited by international awarding organizations, most notably Teesside

University, CISCO Networking, IATA, UFTAA and AAT. The regular programmes are designed to equip trainees with the skills, knowledge and attitude that comply with the needs and requirements of various industries.

A reflectionupon the changeover thoseprogrammesis quite staggering; new programmes serving different needs of the industry are added each year to cater to the new needs. A review of these newly added programmes provides an insight into how the process of development enables BTI to meet its strategic objectives and to respond to new patterns of local, regional and international demands of the labour market. Some of the achievements made and programmes added in 2009 are as follows:

Regular ProgrammesBEng Programmes

A new Bachelor degree programme was added to the list of BTI programmes, this was the Applied BEng (Hons)

“ Tailor-Made Short Courses to Bachelor Degree ”

Training Affairs


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in Instrumentation and Control Engineering degree, accredited by Teesside University. The same University also approved the accreditation of BEng (Hons) in Mechanical and in Electrical and Electronics Engineering; both of which started in 2008.

The decision to start the third programme was based on the output performance of the two different cohorts of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering; the performance of the Electrical and Electronics group was excellent and extraordinary. Out of 20 students, 5 got a First Class honours while 7 of them got Upper Second Class; quite an achievement for BTI’s degree programmes. Figure (1)

shows the number of students in the BEng Programmes in 2009.

Figure (1): Number of students in BEng Programmes

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Edexcel Programmes

Based on new requirements and innovations of the labour market, the curriculum of the Edexcel programmes offered in commercial studies was updated by adding more work-related modules. The ND programmes in Office Administration, Book-keeping and Sales and Marketing were respectively substituted by Human Resources, Finance and Marketing.

The Edexcel programmes at BTI are offered in different engineering and business specializations and are introduced at three levels; the Higher National Diploma (HND); National Diploma (ND) and the First Diploma (FD).

Figure (2) shows the distribution of trainees per gender in BTEC regular programmes:

Figure (2): Number of trainees in BTEC regular programmes

Cisco Networking Academy Programmes

Since its launch in 2001, the Academy and its Cisco certifications turned out to be the most sought after certifications in the IT industry. The Academy was awarded the regional status in 2006, and this gave the authority to license Cisco Local Academies in Bahrain, train their trainers and provide them all the needed support.

Cisco Best Academy

The major achievement of BTI Cisco Academy took place in March 2009, when the Academy was awarded a certificate of excellence as the best Cisco Academy in the Gulf and Pakistan Region. That honour took place during the Arabian Adventure Roadshow; an annual gathering held for the first time, in Dubai by Cisco Networking Academy, to celebrate Cisco Academies in the Arab World.

Local Academies Licenses

In addition to the 7 Cisco Local Academies in Bahrain; the Centre of Excellence at the Ministry of Education was on top of BTI list of authorized Cisco local academies in 2009. The other local academies are the Cisco Networking Academies at Batelco, Gulf University, Arabian Gulf


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University, Indian School, Centre of Excellence for Technical and Vocational Education at Khalifa Institute of Technology, CIO (Central Informatics Organization) and the Arab Open University.

First Cisco Day

The second achievement on BTI Cisco Academy list was the organization of First Cisco Day, a forum that gathers all Cisco Networking local Academies in Bahrain, providing an excellent opportunity for the Academies concerned people; to exchange ideas and to be introduced to the latest knowledge, practices and updates on Academy issues.

NetRiders Contest

Another notable achievement of the Academy in 2009 was its participation in the NetRiders contest (FY09) that was organized by Cisco Networking Academy in July for all Cisco Networking Academies in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

New Cisco Programmes

As for the Academy achievements in terms of programmes, new CCNA Security and CCSP programmes have started as part of an agreement signed in 2009 with Tamkeen to qualify 220 Bahraini as security professionals.

A special Cisco programme was also tailored by BTI in pursuant to an agreement signed with the Ministry of Social Development to train 50 Bahrainis with special needs in Internet Technology skills necessary to compete in an increasingly technology-dependent economy.

BTI is also currently running three Cisco Networking curriculum, these are IT Essentials, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).

“Prosoft” Centre

The Academy became the first and only “Prosoft” Testing Centre outside the United States. Being so, it gives BTI authorization to conduct CIW “Certified Internet Web Professional” exams, world’s fastest growing vendor-neutral Internet certification for the knowledge economy.

Forums and Debates

BTI Cisco Academy organized a forum titled “Emerging Information Technologies and Infrastructure for Bahrain’s Corporate Arena”. The forum took place alongside an IT Expo held at BTI for Bahrain ICT companies. The Forum and Expo was sponsored by MoFakro, Alwaqt newspapers, AlAhd newspaper, Al-Watan Newspaper, Gulf-Daily-News, Nescafe and Picasso House of Art.

The Expo witnessed the participation of the following companies: Batelco, Zain, Condor Technology, Almoayyed Computers, Al-Futaim group, Memac Ogilvy, Al-Nadeem IT, Kanoo Information Technology, Fakhro Electronic, Almoayyed Group, Picasso House of Art, Al-Amthal, 2-Connect, My Computer.

Also, “Networkers vs. Programmers” and “Blogs vs. Newspapers” debates were also held by the IT Academy to give its students of different Cisco programmes the chance to exchange ideas at an advanced professional level.

Travel and Tourism

June 2009, was the time for the first output and achievement of the Travel Academy, when 21 trainees sponsored by the Ministry of Labour graduated with a Diploma in Travel and Tourism Operations (DTTO).

In September 2009, the first IATA Foundation course batch had its IATA Examination. There was a 100% pass rate with 4 distinctions, which is an outstanding


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achievement in the IATA training history in Bahrain.

Also in September, the Academy commenced the Advanced Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management (ADTTM) with 18 trainees sponsored by the Ministry of Labour, and the IATA/UFTAA Foundation Diploma in Travel and Tourism (FDIATA). A second batch of DTTO consisting of 22 trainees sponsored by Tamkeen started in October 2009.

Links to the Industry

The Academy succeeded in linking itself with the travel and tourism industry by signing several training agreements with various stakeholders; such as Tamkeen, which signed a training contract with BTI to train 80 Bahrainis in Travel and Tourism. The agreement covers the DTTO programme. Linked to this, was the recruitment contract signed with ABTTA to provide the Tamkeen sponsored DTTO graduates with on-the-job placement, the BDO-Jawad (the training consultant partner) agreement to train staff from Gulf Air and The Kanoo Travel.

For Gulf Air, a “Fundamentals in Airline Passenger and Cargo Handling” programme accredited by ICM, was conducted. The Kanoo Travel programmes which led to an ICM certificate in “Professional Travel Consultancy” was to up-skill the staff in ticketing and passenger handling.

The Travel Academy which was launched in 2007 and started its operations in 2008 continues to be the IATA Authorized Training centre (ATC) and a Learning Centre for the Institute of Commercial Management (ICM), UK. In addition to that, the three major Global Distribution Systems (GDS) continues their training partnerships with BTI. Figure (3) shows the number of registered participants in each Travel and Tourism programmes in 2009:

Figure (3): No. of participants in each programme - 2009

Art and Design

Achievements of the Art and Design Division can be measured through the “A” grade it received in the external verifier report for its outstanding performance in the BTEC National Diploma programmes of Graphic Design and 3D Design (Interior).

In response to the increasing demand for the field of 3D, computer modeling and animation, changes were made to the structure of the Interior Design programme by replacing the “graphics for 3D applications” module with the “3D animation” module. The new module will enable trainees to create a fast, effective and economical communication media. In addition to that, modules related to web designing were added to the graphic design programme.

All the software and programmes related to the graphic and interior design were updated to cope with the demands of the market, most notably is the new Auto CAD, Adobe and 3d max software.

Activities and Events

Other achievements of the division were the organization of the following events in 2009: - The Second BTI Computer Graphic Design Competition “Design Expo 09”, which was sponsored by Al-Samahiji Trading, My Home Furniture, Nabtaker Interior Design and Décor and Bab Al-Bahrain Information Technology.- The Graduation Ceremony and Exhibition for graduates of the “Fashion and Tailoring” programme that was sponsored by


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Tamkeen and the Supreme Council For women.- The competition to design a logo and identity for the High Council for Vocational Training (HCVT), held under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Labour Dr. Majeed Ben Mohsen Al Alawi .

Communication and Language

The Communication and Language Division gives supporting service to other BTI divisions. In 2009, it managed to get the English Language Fellowship Programme (ELF) for the Special Needs and the English ACCESS Micro Scholarship Programme, both introduced by the Regional English Language Office (RELO) at the US Embassy in Bahrain.

The ACCESS scholarship is meant for financially challenged secondary school students in Bahrain. Under the programme, nearly 58 students will receive systematic training in English language for two years which would empower them to obtain a successful career.

Instrumentation and Chemicals

Achievements of Instrumentation and Chemicals Division included the graduation of the second batch of Bapco sponsored staff, joining BTI Diploma in Process Technology and the Colu University Diploma in process technology (City and Guilds exams). It also includes graduation of the first batch of HND graduates in Chemical Engineering; a programme that is entirely designed by BTI; based on a BTEC format.

Mechanical and Motor Vehicle

The Mechanical and Motor Vehicle Division achieved what can be regarded as one of the most notable achievements for BTI in 2009, by getting the 19th rank in a Super-Mileage competition that took place in the US. BTI team was among the 45 teams from all over the world participating in the competition that was organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The

competition provides engineering and technology students with a challenging project that involves the development and construction of a single-person, fuel-efficient vehicle. Students build gas-powered fuel efficiency vehicles, and have the opportunity to set a world fuel economy record and increase public awareness of fuel economy and sustainability. Students become more sensitive to the environmental issues as well as develop important project management skills.

Vehicles are powered by a small four-cycle lawnmower engine, and must complete 6 laps of a 2.4km track (with hills) with a minimum speed of 24km/hr. Fuel efficiency is calculated by measuring the vehicle’s net fuel consumption over the total distance traveled.

Corporate ProgrammesIn 2009, about 198 public and private sector organizations chose BTI to be their corporate training requirements provider where more than 1079 employees received training in 47 different courses, which is equivalent to 18295 training hours. Figure (4) shows the number of participants per gender in various corporate programmes in 2009.

It is working on building the capacity of the people in different organizations with an action-oriented, hands-on learning process to better enable them to meet changes. It can also help businesses achieve their immediate productivity benefit while building a foundation for future innovative leadership within the organizations.

The Corporate Training Centre works with companies to analyze their training needs, identify and deliver the courses required to meet such needs and undertake a final results analysis. It offers a comprehensive range of short and tailor-made courses especially designed to serve the corporate training requirements of both public and private sectors in the areas of Business Management, Engineering, Health and Safety, Communication skills, and Information Technology.


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Furthermore, it offers a vast range of services; consultation, training needs analysis (TNA), programme design, evaluation and testing and developing work related performance criteria.

Figure (4): Number of trainees in each programme for 2009

Trainee Affairs



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ADDING VALUETO DELIVER PERFORMANCE


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The aim set out for BTI Trainee Affairs Department is to provide trainees with a challenging and enjoyable higher vocational education and training experience. This embodies providing trainees with all types of support, guidance and assistance from the department’s different divisions, namely: Admission and Registration, Guidance and Counseling, Learning Resource Centre (LRC) and Graduate Recruitment Centre (GRC). Each division represents a separate division that provides different services to trainees, facilitating their life at BTI and equipping them to be socially purposeful professionals and citizens. Direct support for trainees comes also from the Trainees’ Council.

Admission and Registration

First support comes from the Admission and Registration Division which is responsible for providing the required administrative support to the trainees from the time of enrollment until graduation. In 2009, the Training Programmes Exhibition, which was held during 28 June until 30 July 2009, offered 42 regular training

“Enhancing Capabilities and Building Opportunities”

Trainee Affairs

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programmes and other programmes sponsored by Tamkeen (Labour Fund), and it attracted 5000 visitors. The division received 2737 application forms from fresh secondary school graduates.

Around 2287 applicants met BTI criteria and went through an automated computerized admission test. Around 1314 applicants passed the test and were admitted to BTI’s different specializations and disciplines. By the end of January 2009, the division conducted Semester Tests for 2773 trainees who were admitted to BTI in September 2008, whereas in June 2009, 2749 trainees were tested. About 457 sponsored trainees were also admitted in the year 2009.

The division issued 1359 BTI certificates for graduates of regular programmes. As for the external certificates awarded by external awarding bodies, such as Edexcel, the division registered 1152 new trainees on the BTEC programmes for the National Diploma (ND) and the High National Diploma (HND).

The 11th Graduation ceremony for trainees of different programmes and disciplines also represented another contribution of the division in 2009. 1174 graduates had their graduation certificates awarded in that ceremony which was held in May 2009 under the Patronage of His Excellency Prince Khalifa Ben Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister.

Also, a “Distinguished Trainees Honour Ceremony” was held to honour 389 distinguished trainees from different programmes.


This Guidance and Counseling Division takes the responsibility of equipping trainees and preparing them to get the best of their experience at BTI. The first encounter for the division with trainees came during the Training Programmes Exhibition where the

division interviewed new applicants and guided them in selecting the appropriate disciplines. As for those who found it difficult to choose the appropriate training programme, the division conducted a Psychometric test for 340 applicants, where it includes a combination of IQ, brain teaser and aptitude questions.

By early September, an induction week was organized to welcome the new trainees admitted to all regular and specialized programmes. More guidance was provided inside classrooms; as 3200 trainees were introduced to BTI rules and regulations and were made aware of all the resources available. These were also admitted to programmes for enhancing their positive attitudes. As part of its support to trainees, 37 bus routes were made available to facilitate 550 trainees’ transport on a daily basis covering all areas in the Kingdom. Some 50 parking lots were dedicated for trainees of special needs and also 378 parking lots were dedicated to sponsored trainees.

The division provides trainees with other types of care and support; so once they settled with their studies, the division starts engaging them in extra-curricular activities. In 2009, 13 BTI trainees were nominated to participate in a British Council VSO Global Exchange programme that is dedicated to Charity work. The programme was organized in collabouration with the General Organization for Youth and Sport.

Trainees were also encouraged to be part of the global campaign of solidarity against poverty and towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals which was organized in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre for the Arabian Gulf countries (UNIC) under the title “Stand Up Against Poverty”. The institute also participated in the UNIC campaign to end violence against women in Bahrain, held on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Other events were also organized at BTI celebrating the same occasion, and the other one dedicated to Bahraini women held in December of each year.

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A peculiar contribution was made by the division, in collabouration with the Electrical and Electronics Division at BTI, to the Gulf Traffic Week through an electronic device designed by trainees to be used as part of an awareness campaign organized by the Traffic Directorate. Other activities held in 2009 included organizing various campaigns during which representatives from more than 22 public and private organizations were received to conduct seminars covering various training issues and other aspects related to trainees, such as the Health week at which a Swine Flu campaign was organized in addition to the World Environment Day celebrations that included hosting representatives from the United Nations Environment Programmes (UNEP) and Environment Friends Society. The division also arranged for the participation of trainees in several national sport activities during the National Day festivities where BTI teams won the first three ranks of Marathon competition as well as the first rank for the special needs. BTI has also won the third rank in the Bahrain Basketball Industrial Companies Committee Cup.

The division also conducted a programme for 56 academic counselors from the Ministry of Education and arranged 27 School visits for more than 1700 students to BTI. Another way of engaging trainees in BTI training culture comes through the Trainee Council; a seven-member body elected by trainees to represent them at the management.

In 2009, a new electronic voting and polling system was applied in the Trainee Council elections; 721 trainees used it to elect their representatives among 18 candidates. The election was monitored by internal and external observers from different professional organizations such as the Bahraini Society of Transparency, Public Freedoms Society, and the Bahrain Human Rights Society to ensure the integrity of the election process.

A range of other services and developments have been provided such as more resting areas, wireless service at all major locations in BTI, new furniture for the trainees’ canteen, plasma screens in major training buildings and coffee machines distributed all around BTI premises.

Fees Exemptions

As part of the financial support provided to trainees, the division studied and reviewed 1205 trainee requests for fees exemption. About 980 trainees who met the criteria for fees exemption benefited. The number of trainees who received a grant of excellence was 98; a financial rewards of BD200 in addition to exemption from tuition fees.

Trainee Fund

The division out of its awareness of the fact that some trainees need all support from the management, set a trainee fund to help trainees in need.

In 2009, 200 trainees received textbook grants, other 23 received their grants in the form of computer devices, while 20 trainees have their fees exempted through the Trainee Fund.

Graduate Recruitment

The main task of the Graduate Recruitment Centre is to facilitate On-Job-Training and employment opportunities for BTI regular trainees. In 2009, the centre received 312 job opportunities from 17 companies; a total of 227 trainees were recruited. The number of marketing visits made to companies in 2009 was 70 visits.

As for the On-Job Training, 685 trainees benefitted from


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opportunities. The centre had made 212 follow-up visit to 69 companies to pursue the progress of trainees.

To provide more support for trainees, the centre organized several events such as the “On-Job-Training Induction” for 2009 graduates.

A CV writing and interview workshops was held during the Career Expo 2009. The centre also participated in several conferences and exhibitions such as the “Career Week Exhibition 2009” which attracted 35 companies with more than 600 job opportunities, the Art and Design Exhibition, and the second Vocational Education Project.

Learning Resources

The Learning Resources Centre (LRC) extends opportunities to trainees as well as to trainers to enrich their knowledge through self and group learning. This is done by providing the different training divisions with the latest information resources; books, magazines, IT services and an external borrowing system.

LRC also provides samples of past exam papers. It has also expanded its stock of books by purchasing nearly 700 new books and new computers to support discipline-specific learning activities for the training divisions, 992 books were loaned and 87 new memberships were issued for staff and trainees.

Opening hours have been extended at weekdays and during examinations to 6.30 evening (instead of 3), and additional front-line staff have been added to the library team. In 2009, the LRC modernized its services through upgrading the computer sets and strengthening the network system by subscribing to few educational websites.

Planning and Development



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The department contributes to the planning and development function at the Institute, through four main divisions. All its achievements are attributed to the support and involvement of its different divisions with the training, trainees and other related activities.

Planning

The main purpose of the Planning Division is to review, update, redevelop the BTI’s Strategic Plan within the Strategic Vision 2030, and to address the new changes in the labour market. The following are the major accomplishments of the division in 2009:

1. Developed a new Strategic Plan for BTI – A new 5 years Strategic Plan (2009 to 2014) was developed and submitted for approval to Board of Trustees.

2. Developed an Implementation Plan – A plan for achieving the goals and objectives set by the BTI’s Strategic Plan 2009-2014 was developed and completed. This plan was drafted in line with the requirements set by the EDB.

3. The division organized workshops for senior management to orient them about the contents of the strategic plan.


In its second year as a new division within BTI, the Curriculum Development Division undertook the following:

• Developed a best practice model for competency-based material development to evaluate training materials designed by international material developers.

• Developed a request for proposal for material developers to develop training material for all BTI modules. The material will include trainee manuals, trainer manuals with presentation slides and assessment guides.

• Used the approved guidelines to sample and evaluate material from International Publishers for use by BTI trainers in the different divisions.

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• Finalize the preparation for the introduction of the Bachelor degree in Instrumentation and Control.

• Initiated two new initiatives:1. Developed and launched an apprenticeship-

based programme across various sectors in Bahrain.

2. Developed a mechatronics programme.

The Training and Labour Research

The Training and Labour Research Division provides the Planning and Development Department with the information and analyses required to improve the training process and be aware of the changes taking place in the labour market so that ensuring the link between its needs and the training outcomes are matched. For these purposes, the main surveys and studies of the division in 2009 were: • Trainees satisfaction study for the following:

1. The regular BTEC programmes in BTI. 2. The applied Bachelor degrees in Engineering

programme (BEng.) 3. The Corporate programmes. 4. Teaching of English language.

• Admission Test analysis for 2009/2010 applicants. • Analysis of trainees’ grades for semester 1 and

semester 2. • Analysis of the participants views of the

International Accreditation of Vocational Qualifications Conference.

• ND graduate follow-up. • Labour market follow-up and its indicators.

Quality Assurance

The main purpose of the Quality Assurance (QA) Division is to continuously develop and maintain a Quality Management System for Bahrain Training Institute (BTI), and to assure BTI stakeholders that BTI’s activities and operations conform to agreed standards, systems and procedures. All training programmes at BTI are subject to continual internal quality audits in addition to the external verification audits.

Major Accomplishments

The following summarize the major achievements of the QA Division for the Training Year 2009:• ProducedguidelinesandformsforthenewBTEC&

BTI assessment and grading system and drafted a new Assessment Policy.

• Monitored the implementationof thenewgradingprocedures across training divisions.

• Proposed criterion-based audit forms with ratingscales for carrying out training delivery audits on Instructional and Technician staff.

• Conducted orientationworkshops on newgradingsystem, invigilation and teaching and assessment culture at BTI.

• Produced guidance document for certifyingAccreditation of Prior Learning (APL).

• Produced reports on disciplinary cases andexperience of new trainers’.

• Reportedauditfindingsfromclassroomobservation,training delivery, module files, grading practices and other investigations.

• CoordinatedexternalvisitsfromAwardingBodiesforEngineering, Art, Business, Civil and IT programmes.

• Coordinated with External Awarding Bodies forthe approval of training programmes (e.g National Diploma in Chemical Engineering from Edexcel).

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n and Finance



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Human Resources

The human resources at BTI are the cornerstone for achieving the vision and objectives of the Institute. During 2009, BTI has made concerted efforts to attract new staff having the highest academic qualifications and industrial experience to join its multi-cultural human resources base. The total number of full time staff in 2009 as seen in Figure (5) is 385, of which 124 are female staff representing 32.2% of the total BTI staff.

Figure (5): Number of full time staff in 2009

One of the key policies of BTI is that while maintaining its multicultural environment, it encourages Bahraini graduates specially females with excellent potential to join as trainers and administration staff. The Bahrainization level at BTI reached more than 82.1%. BTI is an active partner in Tamkeen’s University Graduates Employment Project. In 2009, five female graduates were recruited through this scheme.

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Staff Training and Development

The management of BTI considers staff training and development a strategic priority to maintain its competitiveness locally, regionally and globally. During 2009 BTI continued its efforts to develop its staff in numerous ways, the summary of which is given below.

• More than 93 individual and group training programmes were conducted for the staff. This amounted to 670 training places equivalent to 16080 training hours. More than 310 staff benefited from these programmes, of those 127 were female staff while 183 are male staff. This represents an increase of 20 % from 2008.

• Five staff graduated with Bachelor and Master degrees from local and overseas universities through the scholarships granted by BTI.

• Four staff were sponsored for accredited training programmes (Higher National Diplomas and Bachelor degrees) internally at the Institute.

• The study/training hours invested for the scholarships and sponsorships programmes totaled to 14400 hours.

• Ties with international bodies and agencies were strengthened for the purpose of securing training programmes and industrial placements and visits. A number of such programmes were finalized, 18 BTI staff benefitted from this.

• A comprehensive Training Needs Assessment (TNA) exercise was carried out for all staff of BTI. A TNA report was produced and helped formalize the annual training plan for 2010.

• BTI played an important role in a number of national and international conferences. In total BTI participated in 16 conferences and exhibitions to gain an update and form business networks. The main events are:

- Vocational Education Technology Forum (UK).- The fifth Saudi Technical Conference and

Exhibition (KSA).- CISCO Arabian Adventure Roadshow (Dubai).- MEOS 16th Middle East Oil and Gas Show and Conference (Qatar).- GITEX KSA 2009 (KSA).- Airport Show 2009 (Dubai) .- CIPD Annual Conference (UK).- ARTDO Conference (Malaysia).- GITEX Dubai 2009 (Dubai).- Health and Safety Excellence Forum (Bahrain).- Human Capital Conference (Bahrain).- International Accreditation of Vocational Qualification (Bahrain).

Financial information

Keeping in line with the Institute’s main objectives of offering high quality training programmes towards fulfilling its role in society, BTI made in 2009, a total investment of BD 6,818,000, 4.2% less than last year. The Institute has succeeded in reducing the cost of training activities by 4.3% without compromising the quality of its deliverables compared to its cost in 2008. The training activities in 2009 represents 53.4% of total investment.

Moreover, to support the development of the training quality, the Institute invested 42.1% (BD 2,872,000) of its total investment in training support activities, a decrease of 5.1% from 2008. Investment in development of human resources represented 2.5% of total investment, which is equivalent to BD 173,000, an increase of 4.8% compared to 2008.

Furthermore, 1.9% of the total investment was allocated to develop and enhance the training technology processes to keep abreast with the rapid development in the field of information technology training. In total, BTI decreased its investment value by BD 296,000 compared to its 2008 investment as a result of a robust control. Table (1) shows the total investment of the Institute in 2009 compared to 2008.

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Information Systems The Information Systems Division has accomplished several goals that resulted in providing stable and secure IT environment. Some of the division’s achievements during 2009 are the following:1- Automated testing system to assess candidates of the Graduate Employment Project.

An advanced integrated testing system was implemented to assess and register the needs and requirements of candidates on the Graduate Employment Project. The project is one of the Ministry of Labour programmes that targeted more than 3700 unemployed university graduates.

The system shows and monitors the test scores, the attendance record and issues various types of reports as soon as the trainee finishes the test. The results are then transmitted directly to the Ministry of Labour for consideration.

2- Electronic voting and counting for the Trainee Council elections.

An electronic voting and counting system has been implemented in the Trainee Council elections, and to achieve maximum credibility, the system allows only the addition of information and prevents any deletion or change in the information.

BTI’s experience in using the technology for voting and counting contributed greatly to increasing technological awareness among BTI trainees, eliminating many problems of the traditional methods in election such as the high consumption of papers and errors in selection of desired candidate.

3- Monthly payroll reports printing system. An electronic payroll report system was designed and created to enable BTI staff to print their monthly payroll reports without referring to the Human ResourceDepartmentinaflexibleandsecuremannerthat saves time and effort.

Table ( 1 ) Main Investments [2008 and 2009]

Investment in

Training Activities -4.3%

-5.1%

4.8%

11.1%

-4.2%

3,807,000 53.4%

42.1%

2.5%

1.9%

100 %

3,643,000

2,872,000

173,000

130,000

6,818,000

3,025,000

165,000

117,000

7,114,000

Training Support Activities

Developing Human Resources

Improving Training Technology

Total

Amount (BD) 2008

Amount (BD) 2009

Increase/ (Decrease) in Percentage

Total expenditure from Total Investment

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ENHANCING CAPABILITIESAND BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES

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Official and VIP visits On the scope of official and VIP visits, the year 2009 was exceptional and an important year for BTI as it witnessed a historical visit by His Royal Highness Prince Salman ben Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Economic Development Board.

His Royal Highness Prince Salman was delighted over the level of Bahrain youth and the variety of training programmes offered in BTI. Prince Salman hailed BTI trainees, the quality of education and training in the Institute and the role played by BTI in enabling Bahrainis by qualifying them to fit the new criteria of the ever evolving Labour Market in Bahrain.

During his visit, His Royal Highness toured the departments and workshops of BTI and was briefed about the various industrial, technical, academic and commercial programmes.

Prince Salman was also briefed on the Institute’s various achievements like the participation of the Mechanical

and Motor Vehicle Division at BTI in the Super-Mileage annual Competition held by Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) in the US.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince lauded the great job accomplished by BTI and its close cooperation with Tamkeen and its efforts in developing the Bahraini workforce and increasing its efficiency.

The Institute was also privileged in 2009 by receiving several important visitors and delegations from inside and outside the Kingdom. These officials and VIPs were given a tour of BTI and a presentation about its achievements in vocational training. They had first hand experiences of the training delivered by BTI. Some of the important visits in 2009 were:

• Mr. Basem Khalil Al Salem, Minister of Labour, Jordan .

• Ms. Aysha Murad, Bahrain ambassador in Washington DC.

• Mr. Takeshi Kondo, the Japanese ambassador to Bahrain .

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• Mr. Hussain Mohammed Al Mahmoodi, Director General, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry .

• Dr. Hashim Sulaiman Hussain, Head of ITPO, UNIDO • Dr. Martyn Forrest, Executive Director – Education

Reform at E.D.B. • Dr. Raed Shams, Director General at Bahrain

Institute of Public Administration.

BTI also received various significant delegates representing: • Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry • The Ministry of Education .• General Organization for Youths and Sports (GOYS) • E.D.B., Bahrain• UNDP, Bahrain• Trade Mission of Taiwan, Taiwan.• Ministry of Manpower and Migration, Egypt.• Glasgow Caldonian University, Scotland, UK.• Oman Tourism College, Oman.• CIPD, UK• Sharjah Institute of Technology.• Heriot Watt University, Scotland, UK.

Memoranda of Understanding

In line with its strategy, BTI has always aimed to strengthen its links and communication with all the organizations in the Kingdom in terms of training and cooperation. BTI has signed MoUs with the following organizations:

• Tamkeen (Labour Fund).• Bahrain Chamber of Industry and Commerce.• Nass Group.• Galilio.• Chemnitz University of Technology .• Amadus Gulf.• AVO Training Institute.• Middle East Computer Services (MECOS).

ANNUALREPORT2009...2010/12/12 · Dr. Hussain Mohammed Al Mahdi Member Mr. Ebrahim Hamad Abdulla...

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