The jeel ICT programme has attracted more than 3,000 applicants, from which 800 have been shortlisted to select 33 Bahraini graduates through a rigorous evaluation process.
STC Bahrain has announced the selection of 33 Bahraini graduates for its jeel ICT programme. This 100% nationalised talent development initiative, strategically organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), Tamkeen, and development partner, the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), aims to equip Bahraini youth with invaluable work experience, skills, and knowledge to propel their careers in the dynamic field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The jeel ICT programme, an evolution of STC Bahrain’s Graduate Development Programme (GDP) launched in 2012, underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to investing in the ICT capabilities and competencies of Bahraini youth through world-class training and career development opportunities.
Amidst an overwhelming response, over 3,000 applications were received for the jeel ICT programme within a year, with more than 25% of applications sourced from the Ministry of Labour Talent Pool. After a rigorous evaluation process by a panel of judges, 800 applicants were shortlisted to identify 33 outstanding graduates.
A notable aspect of the selection process was the utilisation of a Gamified Psychometric assessment, providing over BHD 10,000 worth of customised development feedback to all 200 candidates upon completion. This innovative approach aimed to create a sustainable and thorough selection process, executed through a Gamified method that developed a customised feedback document for each candidate.
The 33 selected graduates will undergo a 12-month internship at STC Bahrain, benefiting from a cutting-edge learning experience facilitated through a dedicated Learning Platform and Learning Applications. With an investment of over 45,000 development hours, the programme includes more than 5,000 hours of Coaching and Mentoring (C&M), ensuring a comprehensive and immersive educational journey.
Engaging in real-world applications, the graduates will work on over 60 projects, gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of information and communication technology, hackathons, ideation, and incubation processes. Additionally, the graduates will receive a monthly salary and medical insurance during their year-long internship at STC Bahrain. Post-completion, 10 exemplary candidates will be offered full-term employment, contributing to the growth of Bahrain’s high-skilled workforce.
Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, commended STC Bahrain’s community initiatives, specifically praising this training programme for providing Bahraini graduates with essential skills and experience in the ICT sector. He emphasised the alignment of such programmes with the Ministry of Labor’s strategy to qualify job seekers in various sectors, in collaboration with Tamkeen.
Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of Tamkeen, said: “We are pleased to be part of this strategic partnership to upskill and reskill Bahrainis in the evolving ICT sector. ICT skills are currently highly demanded in the changing labour market, and we continuously work to bridge the gap between in-demand skills and available opportunities to create quality sustainable jobs for local talent, and make Bahrainis the employees of choice in the private sector.”
Eng. Nezar Banabeela, STC Bahrain, CEO, added: “At STC Bahrain, we are grateful for the extensive support provided by the Ministry of Labour, the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), and Tamkeen, who have been instrumental in making this program a success. This initiative not only addresses the critical ICT skills gap but also aligns seamlessly with our CSR initiatives reflecting a shared commitment to the governments for youth development.”
Banabeela continued: “By providing cutting-edge learning opportunities in collaboration with our Development partner BIBF, our jeel ICT programme goes beyond traditional education, equipping our young Bahraini graduates with the skills and knowledge essential for success in the rapidly evolving world of technology via hands-on projects. It is a step forward in our mission to empower the Bahraini youth with the tools they need to advance their careers in the dynamic field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).”
This initiative aligns with the government’s vision for Digital Transformation, emphasising the significance of the Telecom Sector as a key industry for developing highly skilled local talent for the digital era.
