Bahrain Society of Engineers x Center for Project Innovation

The client

The Bahrain Society of Engineers (BSE) has been the peak body for engineering excellence in Bahrain since 1972, uniting professionals across disciplines and catalyzing the exchange of expertise and networking opportunities.

Dedicated to enhancing the capability of its members, BSE actively organizes seminars, workshops, and conferences. Their engagement with educational institutions and industry partners bolsters engineering education and research, while their advisory role to governmental entities shapes engineering-focused policies and regulations.

The challenge

Graduate engineers stepping into the workforce encounter a significant challenge that often goes unaddressed in conventional academic settings: the application of project management skills in real-world scenarios.

While their education equips them with the technical know-how and theoretical foundations of engineering, there's a noticeable gap when it comes to managing projects, which are complex, multifaceted, and dynamic in nature.

These young professionals are expected to not only understand the technicalities of their field but also to adeptly navigate the intricacies of project timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and team dynamics. However, their limited exposure to such practicalities can leave them ill-prepared for the demands of project-driven work environments.

For example, in the workforce, graduate engineers are suddenly faced with the need to apply a range of soft skills, from effective communication with diverse stakeholders to critical thinking and problem-solving within project constraints. Moreover, they must learn to manage risks and expect the unexpected, often without the safety net of a classroom setting.

This transition is compounded by the pressure to deliver tangible results and contribute to the success of their teams and projects from the get-go. Without proper project management training, this leap from theory to practice can be a daunting hurdle, potentially impacting their confidence and the quality of their work.

The solution

To address this challenge, BSE partnered with the Center for Project Innovation (CPI), a move that was both strategic and visionary. CPI, with its robust framework for project management education and a reputation for excellence, was well-positioned to equip these young engineers with the necessary project management competencies.

The partnership aimed to create a focused certification program tailored specifically for graduate engineers. This program was designed not only to fill the existing knowledge gap but also to empower these engineers with a practical skill set that would enhance their employability and ability to manage complex projects effectively.

Through this collaboration, CPI provided a comprehensive curriculum that combined theoretical knowledge with practical application. It offered graduate engineers the tools to navigate project constraints, manage risks, and make strategic decisions.

The Center's training methodology emphasized real-world scenarios, ensuring that the graduate engineers could apply what they learned directly to their work. This approach facilitated a smooth transition for BSE's engineers from academic environments to real-world project settings, fostering a generation of well-rounded professionals ready to contribute to and drive the success of Bahrain's engineering sector.

The outcomes

The collaboration between the Bahrain Society of Engineers (BSE) and the Center for Project Innovation (CPI) has already yielded significant positive outcomes. To date, over 250 candidates have successfully graduated from the tailored project management certification program, a milestone that reflects the initiative's effectiveness and the high demand for such specialized training among graduate engineers.

These graduates have emerged as well-rounded professionals, not only versed in the technical aspects of engineering but also proficient in managing the complexities of real-world projects.

Equipped with CPI's comprehensive project management toolkit, they have entered the workforce with a newfound confidence and capability to handle project scopes, schedules, and resources more effectively. This has translated into better-planned, executed, and delivered engineering projects within their respective organizations.

Moreover, the success of the program has had a ripple effect throughout the engineering community in Bahrain. The newly minted project managers are setting new standards of excellence, demonstrating how integrating project management skills into the engineering curriculum can significantly enhance project outcomes.

This has not only benefited the individual careers of the graduates but has also contributed to elevating the overall quality and efficiency of the engineering projects in the region, ultimately driving innovation and growth within Bahrain's engineering sector.

What past students say

Heba Fathima, CPO

“The certification process improved my confidence in taking up projects and my ability to lead in a team. It also helped me to finish my projects on time with the exact quality of work expected from my seniors.”

“As a professional, it has added value and credibility to my resume and helped me earn recognition in the industry, which I am sure will help me have good career growth with a higher salary potential.”

“What I found very impressive about the CPO course is that it is the most user-friendly online course I have come across. I am thankful for the templates CPI provided along with the course, especially the Gantt Chart.”

“I realized how important it is to learn project management for the smooth running of the organization and the projects we do.”

Mark de la Cruz, CPO

“The certification process provided me with a structured framework for project management, recommended practices, and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in the field. It strengthened my skills by teaching me advanced project management techniques, risk analysis, and effective stakeholder management.”

“During the training, I was pleasantly surprised by the emphasis on soft skills such as leadership, communication, and conflict resolution. These skills proved invaluable in my role as a project manager, as they helped me navigate challenging situations and lead teams more effectively.”

“Achieving my CPO certification has been highly beneficial for my career. It enhanced my professional credibility, making it easier to gain trust from clients, colleagues, and superiors. I have seen new opportunities arise, including promotions to leadership roles. The certification played a crucial role in demonstrating my competence as a project manager.”

How we can help you

Are you looking to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and the practical demands of your industry's workforce?

The Center for Project Innovation stands ready to partner with your organization, whether private, not-for-profit, government, or an industry peak body. Our mission is to enable innovation by empowering your future leaders with the essential project management skills needed to excel in today's dynamic work environments.

We invite you to collaborate with us in creating a bespoke training solution that aligns with your strategic goals and addresses the specific skill gaps within your organization. Whether it's through customized workshops, certification courses, or comprehensive training modules, our goal is to enhance your team's performance and elevate your organizational capabilities.

Contact us today to begin crafting your success story.