Second phase of Bahrain Qualifications Framework launched

Tamkeen, the Quality Assurance Authority for Education and Training (QAAET), and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) signed a trilateral agreement on Sunday (March 25) to launch the second phase of the Bahraini Qualifications Framework (BQF), one of the most important initiatives for the development of education and training in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Mahmood Hashem Al-Kooheji, Chief Executive of Tamkeen, Dr. Jawaher Al Mudhaki, QAAET Chief Executive Officer; and Dr Janet Brown, SQA Chief Executive Officer.

Under the agreement, Tamkeen will continue to support the project in the next phase by setting up a BQF unit within QAAET at an estimated cost of BD1.809 million with the SQA taking on the responsibility of implementing the main processes for this task. The BQF unit at QAAET is expected to commence operations by 2014.

Tamkeen's support for the project includes covering the cost of the consultant responsible for setting the various standards for the implementation of the framework, preparing resources and training workshops to promote awareness among the concerned stakeholders and beneficiaries, developing the strategic and operational plans, and running pilot studies in preparation to full launch. The support budget also covers wages and training of the unit staff and the preparation of the unit's office and systems.

For his part, Mr. Al-Kooheji said: "This national project is a key element in the reform and development of the private sector we hope to achieve. Identifying the required skills and knowledge in all stages of education and training within a formal framework will help further crystallize our vision, and keep the human capital development programmes in step with the requirements of the labour market."

Commenting on the agreement, Dr. Al Mudhaki stressed the importance of the second phase of the BQA saying it will serve as a roadmap which underpins the framework’s success in realizing its objectives. These objectives form a key part of the efforts to reform the education and training sector in the Kingdom, especially as relates to QAAET's mission of enhancing the culture of quality performance of the educational and training establishments and their output.

Dr Brown expressed her delight with the agreement, saying, "The SQA is honoured to have been awarded this opportunity to continue our work on the Bahrain Qualifications Framework. We look forward to working in partnership with Tamkeen and QAAET on this crucial next phase of work establishing the robust systems to ensure an effective future for the BQF and its governance."

The BQF aims to clarify the relationship between academic and professional qualifications offered by the various educational and training establishments in the Kingdom across all levels and specialisations, with a view toward promoting awareness of the importance of focusing on the learning outcomes, beginning with the design of educational and training programmes on pace with the evolving demands of the labour market.

The BQF also creates equal opportunities for those who were unable to continue their education by enabling them to complete their formal learning and obtain accredited certifications.

Furthermore, the BQF makes it easier for individuals to move between professional and academic qualifications - and vice versa - while maintaining the integrity of the academic or professional certification. At the same time, it promotes the concept of lifelong learning and recognises early education and skills obtained through non-formal and informal means.