Intermediate School Apprenticeships Proposed

Parliament will debate on Tuesday a proposal to bring apprenticeships into intermediate schools across public and private education, expanding a scheme that is currently limited to secondary students.

The proposal was submitted by MPs Dr Muneer Seroor, Mohammed Salman Al Ahmed and Lulwa Al Rumaihi. It calls for an apprenticeship track at the intermediate stage to give pupils practical workplace experience alongside classroom study, with supporters saying this would help students form clearer career choices and ease the move into jobs later on.

The Services Committee has recommended backing the proposal, with all members present agreeing to approve it.

Dr Seroor said apprenticeships link theory to practice and help students gain hands-on know-how earlier. He said many intermediate students need guidance to shape their interests and future work paths, and argued that steering students based on their skills at a younger age can improve their chances of securing jobs. He added that apprenticeships can build experience and self-confidence, while also supporting the economy through work-based training.

In its written reply to the committee, the Ministry of Education said it aims to equip students with the academic and knowledge skills linked to the job market, including those in intermediate schools, which it described as a key stage leading into secondary education.

The ministry said it had kept the apprenticeship initiative at secondary level based on studies and the experience of countries that use similar systems, on the view that secondary school is more closely linked to work and that students at that age have greater readiness for field training after completing core courses and gaining basic skills.

It added that some private schools already offer programmes through which students can earn a vocational qualification alongside the general secondary certificate, depending on the system used and the choice made by the student and their parent or guardian.

The ministry said intermediate education is meant to provide a general base of learning centred on academic and social skills, without early specialisation, so that pupils can discover their leanings before choosing secondary pathways. It said directing students at that stage towards work preparation could affect their study choices and future academic route.

Instead, the ministry said it involves intermediate pupils in awareness programmes, activities, talks, workshops and suitable field visits to introduce them to education options and career routes. It said this is backed by applied school subjects such as design and technology, art education, commerce, metals, agriculture, décor and ceramics.

The ministry also referred to the Student Talent Care Centre, which supports gifted students from public and private schools across Bahrain, including those at intermediate level, with programmes aimed at developing academic, creative and performance skills.

It said it does not object to offering apprenticeships to intermediate pupils, provided the content is delivered in measured doses that do not affect students’ academic progress. The ministry said it remains ready to provide further clarification and to continue cooperation with Parliament.