Factory workers become department heads

TDT| Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Once factory-floor employees, several Bahrainis are now leading key departments at Havelock One Interiors, in a workforce success story powered by Tamkeen’s long-term support for national talent development.

The Labour Fund Tamkeen on Wednesday confirmed it is backing another 50 Bahraini employees at Havelock One through its employment and career development programmes. But behind the numbers is a broader transformation story, how sustained investment in skills has helped elevate local workers into leadership positions.

Growth from within

Khalid Al - Baya t, Chief Growth Officer at Tamkeen, said, “Our support for Havelock One, which began in 2018, has contributed to the company’s expansion and increased the efficiency of its operations, positively impacting its Bahraini workforce through new employment and career progression prospects.”He noted that empowering Bahrainis to grow professionally within companies like Havelock One aligns with Tamkeen’s core mission.

“Providing job opportunities and career progression to local talent contributes to the sustainability and growth of the private sector as a key driver of sustainable economic development.”

From workshop to boardroom

Group Operations Director Firas Al Ayed shared that Tamkeen’s support has enabled the company to establish a clear internal career path for Bahrainis. “This expansion led to the growth of our factory and positively impacted our ability to hire local talent and develop clear career paths for them to assume leadership and managerial positions,” he said.

“Today, we are proud to see a number of Bahraini employees holding leadership roles across various departments, a testament to the success of this partnership in building qualified national capabilities that can lead future growth and development.”

Backed by Bahrain

Established in 1998, Havelock One now operates across five GCC countries with over 1,900 employees and a 520,000 square foot manufacturing base in Askar. Its portfolio spans more than 9,000 projects in hospitality, retail, F&B, and other sectors.

Tamkeen continues to work with private sector enterprises to build a competitive Bahraini workforce and ensure that the Kingdom’s economic development is driven by its people.