The Nasser Vocational Training Centre (NVTC) in Bahrain has announced plans to train 10,000 Bahrainis in computer programming over the next five years. The initiative, called Smart Coders, is open to men and women over 18 regardless of their professional or educational backgrounds. The programme will have four levels of training: beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert. The classes will cover a range of programming languages, including HyperText Markup Language (HTML), JavaScript, Python and .NET.
The NVTC is partnering with ThinkSmart Development and Training to carry out the project, with 2,000 individuals set to be trained each year until 2027. Participants who complete the course will receive professional certification from Microsoft, which could help them secure jobs in the tech sector.
“This project is ambitious and exceptional. We will empower and educate 10,000 people in the language of the future”, said NVTC Dr Abdulla Al Noaimi. “Bahrainis from all walks of life, including school and university students, jobseekers or those currently in employment, can join the classes”.
READ ALSO:
Snapchat’s shares surge as investors bet on TikTok ban
ThinkSmart CEO Ahmed Al Hujairi said the training would focus on building web and mobile applications. “With this training, some people who want to change their career direction will be empowered to do so”, he said. The training will also involve a team-building final project to build a computer programme using their new-found knowledge.
The project will offer a supply of skilled people to local companies who may no longer have to entice expatriate talent from overseas. A directory of those who complete the training will be made available to businesses highlighting their skillsets and availability for full-time or freelance opportunities.
“We need to be ready to meet the growing demand. We should also strive to achieve a balance between men and women in the coding workforce”, added Al Hujairi.
