ENGAGEMENT (COMMUNITY / INDUSTRY)
SDG 4: Focus Areas
4.3.3 Vocational Training Events (Lifelong Learning)
University of Bahrain Promotes Vocational and Lifelong Learning through Micro-Credentials Initiative
The University of Bahrain (UoB) has launched a comprehensive Micro-Credentials Policy (2024) as part of its commitment to SDG 4 – Quality Education. This initiative supports Indicator 4.3.3 by promoting participation in technical and vocational education and training through flexible, skill-based programs that address evolving labor market and community needs.
Developed by the eLearning Center, the policy establishes a structured framework for designing, delivering, and accrediting both credit-bearing and non-credit-bearing micro-credentials. These programs target students, professionals, and community members seeking to upskill or reskill, thereby enhancing employability and career mobility.
Designed in collaboration with industry experts and academic departments, the micro-credentials emphasize practical competencies aligned with national workforce priorities and global standards. Learners can combine individual credentials toward higher qualifications, strengthening lifelong access to vocational and professional education.
This initiative reflects UoB’s dedication to lifelong learning and vocational excellence, empowering diverse learners to gain recognized skills that support innovation, productivity, and sustainable development in Bahrain and beyond.
University-Led Vocational and Professional Development Programs
Through its Community Service and Continuing Education Center, the university delivers a robust and diverse portfolio of vocational training programs. This initiative directly fulfills its mission in lifelong learning and community service by bridging the gap between academia and the workforce. The programs provide essential upskilling and professional development, effectively supporting individual career growth while simultaneously addressing the broader economic and social needs of the community.
The programs are characterized by:
- High Volume and Reach: A total of 41 distinct training programs were conducted, engaging hundreds of participants from various sectors.
- Diverse Target Audiences: Programs catered to a wide range of professionals, including engineers from the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries; teachers from private schools; childcare educators; and government personnel from ministries such as Interior, Works, and the Council of Representatives.
- Strategic Industry Partnerships: Strong, recurring collaborations are evident with major national and industrial entities, notably the Ministry of Education, Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC), Bapco Energies, and various preschools.
- College-Wide Involvement: Multiple academic colleges were actively involved in delivery, primarily the College of Engineering, the Bahrain Teachers College, the College of Arts, and the College of Business Administration, showcasing a university-wide commitment.
The table below presents the Vocational and Professional Development Programs conducted by the University of Bahrain between 2023 and 2024.
| No. | Course Name | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chemical Engineering for Non-Chemical Engineers | 11-Sep-23 | 14-Sep-23 |
| 2 | Training Needs Analysis and Training Program Design | 12-Sep-23 | 14-Sep-23 |
| 3 | Rating, Operation, Troubleshooting and Maintenance of Heat Exchangers Workshop | 24-Sep-23 | 25-Sep-23 |
| 4 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (First Batch / in English) | 1-Oct-23 | 9-Nov-23 |
| 5 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (Second Batch / in English) | 1-Oct-23 | 9-Nov-23 |
| 6 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (Third Batch / in English) | 1-Oct-23 | 9-Nov-23 |
| 7 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (Fourth Batch / in Arabic) | 1-Oct-23 | 9-Nov-23 |
| 8 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (Fifth Batch / in Arabic) | 1-Oct-23 | 9-Nov-23 |
| 9 | Tuning of PID Controllers for Technicians and Engineers | 10-Oct-23 | 12-Oct-23 |
| 10 | The Training Program for Childcare Center Educators (Batch 25) | 15-Oct-23 | 15-Nov-23 |
| 11 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (First Cohort / in English) | 6-Nov-23 | 12-Dec-23 |
| 12 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (Second Cohort / in English) | 6-Nov-23 | 12-Dec-23 |
| 13 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (Third Cohort / in English) | 6-Nov-23 | 12-Dec-23 |
| 14 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (Fourth Cohort / in Arabic) | 6-Nov-23 | 12-Dec-23 |
| 15 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (Fifth Cohort / in Arabic) | 6-Nov-23 | 12-Dec-23 |
| 16 | Environmental Engineering for Non-Environmental Engineers | 7-Nov-23 | 9-Nov-23 |
| 17 | The Training Program for Childcare Center Educators (Batch 26) | 19-Nov-23 | 25-Dec-23 |
| 18 | Project Management | 12-Dec-23 | 14-Dec-23 |
| 19 | Excellent Service Delivery (Group 1) | 19-20/12/2023 | 19-20/12/2023 |
| 20 | Excellent Service Delivery (Group 2) | 25-28-31/12/2023 | 25-28-31/12/2023 |
| 21 | Statistical Analysis SPSS (Level 1) | 26-Dec-23 | 28-Dec-23 |
| 22 | The Training Program for Childcare Center Educators (Batch 27) | 4-Feb-24 | 6-Mar-24 |
| 23 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (First Cohort / in English) | 4-Feb-24 | 12-Mar-24 |
| 24 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (Second Cohort / in English) | 4-Feb-24 | 12-Mar-24 |
| 25 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (Third Cohort / in English) | 4-Feb-24 | 12-Mar-24 |
| 26 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (Fourth Cohort / in English) | 4-Feb-24 | 12-Mar-24 |
| 27 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (Fifth Cohort / in Arabic) | 4-Feb-24 | 12-Mar-24 |
| 28 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (Sixth Cohort / in Arabic) | 4-Feb-24 | 12-Mar-24 |
| 29 | Chemical Engineering for Non-Chemical Engineers | 5-Feb-24 | 8-Feb-24 |
| 30 | Qarar Program | 11-Feb-24 | 5-Mar-24 |
| 31 | Optimization for Practitioners | 20-Feb-24 | 22-Feb-24 |
| 32 | Basic Life Support | 18-Mar-24 | 24-Jun-24 |
| 33 | The Training Program for Childcare Center Educators (Batch 28) | 21-Apr-24 | 29-May-24 |
| 34 | Advanced Excel | 24-Apr-24 | 24-Apr-24 |
| 35 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (First Cohort / in English) | 29-Apr-24 | 5-Jun-24 |
| 36 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (Second Cohort / in English) | 29-Apr-24 | 5-Jun-24 |
| 37 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (Third Cohort / in English) | 29-Apr-24 | 5-Jun-24 |
| 38 | The Educational Professional Development Program for Teachers in Private Schools (Fourth Cohort / in Arabic) | 29-Apr-24 | 5-Jun-24 |
| 39 | Chemical Reactor Analysis | 8-May-24 | 9-May-24 |
| 40 | Process Measurement and Control for Non-Instrument Engineers | 1-Jul-24 | 4-Jul-24 |
| 41 | Principles of Distillation for GPIC | 4-Sep-24 | 5-Sep-24 |
