Two-thirds of Bahraini university graduates cannot find work for the first 18 months after finishing their studies, according to a new survey.

 

The research, conducted by Adamov Management and Consultancy Company, also found that 82 per cent of the 1,279 respondents were demotivated by the perceived lack of job opportunities and felt that they needed to take part in additional programmes to enhance their communication skills, self-esteem and knowledge, reported the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

 

As a result of the study, the firm is launching a nationwide scheme designed to 'rehabilitate' unemployed university graduates and help them get the skills they need to get ahead, Adamov chief executive and business development consultant Roua Al Hayki told the GDN.

 

"We evaluate all registered graduates and study their skills in order to group them and provide them with programmes that meet their needs," she said.

 

"We are focusing on how to enhance their skills and self-esteem, as well as refresh the information they learnt back at university."

 

The scheme is designed to include a specialised consultancy service, software packages and workshops tailored to the needs of registered graduates.

 

"I am currently working on developing the final design of these programmes, which are unprecedented in Bahrain or the Arab world," said Al Hayki.

 

"They will include modules that are customised for Bahrainis, to make them the best they can be.

 

"We are also using new tools and methodology by applying skills and entrepreneurship intelligence quotient (IQ) tests to highlight the participants' potential."

 

Al Hayki described the initiative as part of her company's national duty towards the country's youth.

 

"This is a national initiative as all the graduates should be Bahrainis, and we will also choose Bahraini coaches to ensure effectiveness and interactivity," she said.

 

"These graduates really do need some training - amongst the many people who come to our company for consultancy seeking a job, we rarely come across qualified people.

 

"Some have even forgotten what they studied in college due to the long time they spend without a job.

 

"However, the main reason why they are not employed is a lack of communication skills and a lack of knowledge on how to conduct an interview. Many companies only want qualified and experienced people and therefore, we should work on strengthening these points."

 

Al Hayki has called upon various government entities to embrace her company's initiative.

 

"We need the support of entities like the Labour Ministry, Supreme Council for Vocational Training and Tamkeen to step in," she said.

 

"We want to ensure effectiveness and to support the budget because the planned programmes can be of high cost." - TradeArabia News Service