​BBK, Bahrain’s pioneer in Retail and Commercial banking, has emphasized its unfaltering trust in local talent with the kick-off of the ninth edition of the Management Trainee Development Program (MTDP) with a special focus for the second time on financial technology “Fintech”, in line with the bank’s strategy and digital transformation journey.

Fourteen young Bahrainis were selected for this from a large pool of candidates and specialists in computer science, software engineering, or information technology. All applicants underwent key selection criteria, tests, and interviews with the executive management. Upon joining, the group will undergo 100 days of carefully-developed programs and immersive learning experiences to equip them with a comprehensive view of the business.  

On this occasion, BBK sponsored a luncheon on September 1 in recognition of the bank’s latest group of employees.

They received a warm welcome from the Executive Management, including  Dr. AbdulRahman Saif Group Chief Executive, who wished them luck on their future development journey.

Dr Saif commented that the management trainee program, which was introduced in 2003, had a notable and shining mark in the history of the development of the Bank in particular and the banking industry in general. This statement reaffirmed the position of BBK as a premier banking institution that has enriched the banking sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Having been qualified and trained through specialized programs both inside and outside the Kingdom of Bahrain, the trainees possess distinguished national capabilities, he continued.

After completing the 100 days, the group will be directly involved in key strategic projects including digital transformation and other development programs.

For his part, Mr Hassaan Burshaid, Group Chief Human Resources and Administration Officer of BBK, stated that an integral part of the bank’s strategy to accelerate and consolidate digital transformation and innovation is equipping a group of Bahraini talents with the skills required to succeed in the digital economy.

“The interest of a large number of Bahraini cadres to participate in the Management Trainee Development Program demonstrates the attractiveness of the work environment at BBK and its responsiveness to the aspirations of national talents,” said Mr. Burshaid.

He also noted that the program’s curriculum and its capacity to give participants the knowledge and skills they needed, specifically in the area of financial technology, made it possible over time. The former is a successful pathway for the entry of outstanding Bahraini talent into the BBK family of businesses.

Participants in the program’s initial stage, which began on August 28, will receive instruction in the fundamentals of financial technology before moving on to a more advanced stage that covers the practical use of developing technologies.

The program covers topics related to financial technology solutions, blockchain, digital transformation, cyber security, and intelligence. Artificial Intelligence, as well as skill-based courses and professional certifications in information technology and project management.