Manama: The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) and the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) have announced the launch of new training programmes focused on procurement and supply chain management. These programmes are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), the leading global professional body in this field. According to Bahrain News Agency, this initiative is designed to enhance the skills of Bahraini professionals in procurement and supply chain sectors. It reflects a shared commitment by BIBF and Tamkeen to empower local talent and address workforce challenges in these key fields. The programmes aim to elevate participants' qualifications, thereby improving their employability and career progression. By focusing on practical skills and industry relevance, the initiative seeks to effectively bridge the gap between education and employment in logistics and supply chain fields. The specialised training opportunities provided through these programmes are intended to meet the de mands of the evolving job market. They support job seekers and those already employed in the field in obtaining advanced certificates in procurement and supply operations. These certifications are available across various levels, depending on the participants' qualifications and career stages. Maryam Majed, Head of Digital Transformation and Project Management Centre at BIBF, highlighted the importance of this collaboration by stating that it is a significant step towards empowering Bahraini talent with world-class qualifications like the CIPS certification. She noted that the partnership brings global standards in alignment with local expertise, enhancing individual careers and driving the Kingdom's advancement in the procurement and supply sector. Ali Hasan, Executive Director of Programmes and Partnership Development at Tamkeen, reiterated Tamkeen's commitment to empowering Bahraini talent through globally recognised certifications. He emphasized that the partnership with BIBF aligns with Tamkeen's stra tegic priorities, which include increasing economic participation for Bahrainis and expanding career development opportunities. The program is structured to ensure that Bahrainis are equipped with the necessary skills and qualifications to meet the growing demands of the labour market both locally and internationally. Tamkeen offers a variety of programmes and initiatives aimed at supporting national talent by facilitating career development through professional certification and training. These efforts aim to impact careers positively, enabling Bahrainis to get promoted and take on leadership roles. Additionally, Tamkeen supports private sector enterprises with wage support programmes to facilitate the entry of Bahrainis into the labour market, fostering their growth and development. For more details about the programme, please visit www.bibf.com/cips/