Skills Bahrain, an initiative under the umbrella of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), held the ‘Future Skills – Manufacturing’ event, bringing together key stakeholders from Bahrain’s manufacturing industry to discuss the findings of the latest Manufacturing Sector Skills Report developed by Skills Bahrain.
The Manufacturing Sector Skills Report sheds light on labor market trends, skills in demand and emerging jobs in the manufacturing sector, it also highlights the significant transformation in the skills landscape, driven by the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. Among the most in-demand roles in the sector are Research and Development Scientists, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Experts, Materials Engineers, and Digital Transformation Specialists, along with other fast-growing jobs. The report also underscores the importance of mastering technical skills such as Data Analysis and Big Data Management, Machine Operation, and project management, reflecting the growing need to develop national talent capable of meeting the evolving demands of the manufacturing sector.
This initiative is part of Skills Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to guide local talent and highlight the skills and jobs in demand across vital sectors of the national economy. The event also served as a platform for industry professionals to explore strategies that ensure a sustainable and skilled talent pipeline capable of supporting the sector’s ongoing transformation.
As part of the event, a panel discussion brought together representatives from key stakeholders, including Mr. Ahmed Shaheen – Associate Director of Sector Skills Development Skills Bahrain, Mr. Khalid Salman Al Qassimi – Director of Industrial Development at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and Ms. Yusra Al Hussaini – Chief of Business Development and Lifelong Learning– Polytechnic Bahrain. The session explored emerging trends, key opportunities, and the critical skills and jobs shaping the future of the manufacturing sector—aimed at strengthening the readiness and competitiveness of the national workforce.
In this occasion, Amer Marhoon, Managing Director of Skills Bahrain stated: “Bahrain’s manufacturing sector is a dynamic and diverse component of the national economy, currently undergoing substantial transformation driven by advancements in technology. As the sector continues to evolve, it is crucial to shed light on the importance of reliable data and insights that reflect current and future needs. This event brought together industry voices to shape future strategies. It was also essential in raising awareness about the key findings presented in the report. These insights help professionals across the sector guide workforce planning, align training efforts, and make informed decisions that contribute to sustainable industry growth.”
Mr. Khalid Salman Al Qassimi, Director of Industrial Development, emphasized that the Industry Sector Strategy 2022–2026 is built upon key pillars, including achieving sustainable growth for the sector, increasing its contribution to GDP, creating promising employment opportunities for citizens, and enhancing competitiveness at the local, regional, and global levels. In line with this vision, the Industrial Development department has placed a strong emphasis on enhancing operational frameworks within industrial projects, encouraging process automation, driving digital transformation, and aligning with the developments of Industry 4.0 efforts that will contribute to generating quality employment opportunities within the industrial sector.
He also highlighted several strategic initiatives targeted at the sector, such as the smart factory and green factory initiatives, among others. These initiatives aim to promote business development in line with sustainability principles, while keeping pace with emerging skills and modern technologies.
The Manufacturing sector is one of Bahrain’s key priority sectors, as Tamkeen continues to support this sector by increasing employment opportunities for Bahrainis and advancing the professional growth of local talent. The Manufacturing Sector Skills Report is part of a wider series developed by Skills Bahrain in collaboration with industry stakeholders, providing insights into in-demand skills, emerging job roles, career pathways, and other key indicators to inform skills development. It serves as a key reference for individuals seeking to enter or advance within the sector and will help shape Tamkeen’s future programs and initiatives in line with the sector’s priorities and labour market needs.
The report can be found on www.skillsbahrain.bh
