KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has concluded the Fifth Edition of “Tamakan” training program for Kuwaiti fresh graduates, organized by “Creative Confidence” with the bank’s strategic sponsorship. The closing ceremony was attended by Isam Al-Sager, Vice-Chairman and Group CEO of National Bank of Kuwait, Shaikha Al-Bahar, Deputy Group CEO of NBK, Sulaiman Al-Marzouq, Deputy CEO of NBK – Kuwait, Faisal Al-Hamad Chief Executive Officer - Global Wealth Management, Mohammed Al-Othman, CEO-Consumer and Digital Banking, Mohammed Al Kharafi, COO – Head of Group Operations and Information Technology, Zaid Isam Al-Sager, GM - Deputy Head of International Banking Group, Emad Al-Ablani, GM - Group Human Resources.

The ceremony held at NBK’s HQ, included a discussion session where the bank’s executive management listened to trainees’ presentations of their outstanding graduation projects, showcasing creative ideas and visions from the ambitious Kuwaiti youth. Over the course of the program spanning 10 weeks, NBK hosted 34 trainees at different departments where it provided them with courses aimed to upskill, qualify and prepare them to start a successful career.

Tamakan offers an innovative training experience for Kuwaiti fresh graduates who need support to overcome the challenges ahead as they seek to start their career or set up their own business, thanks to developing the required skills, as well as expertise to stand on solid grounds as they navigate their way into the highly challenging labor market. “Tamakan” aims to develop the personal skills needed to become compelling candidates, in addition to motivating Kuwaiti youth to explore their potentials and energies. It also unleashes the creativity of young talent through workshops about creativity and innovation, design thinking, business model design, career exploration and innovative de-risking solutions.

On their part, the trainees expressed their pleasure with participation in this program and extended thanks to NBK for supporting them and providing its long-standing expertise to develop their skills and qualify them for the labor market in a professional manner, thanks to the bank’s highly professional organizational approach.

The trainees also thanked NBK’s executive management, who participated in open discussions with them where they conveyed their long experience in the banking industry, in addition to providing them with valuable advice to build a successful career. They referred to the significant development achieved and knowledge acquired during the program, which adds value to their upcoming career. They also highlighted they benefited from upskilling on various sides, and regarded “Tamakan” as their gateway from the academic world to career exploration and working life.

NBK strongly believes in the importance of nurturing the Kuwaiti youth by attracting and developing talents and providing all means of support to help them navigate their way into the labor market. It also supports different social initiatives that align to Kuwait National Development Plan (KNDP), and serve the country’s strategic agenda to drive growth, and create job opportunities for the Kuwaiti youth in the private sector, being the country’s most valuable resource and the cornerstone for national development.

It is worth mentioning that “Tamakan” received “The Social Work Pioneer Project Award” from the GCC Council of Ministers of Social Affairs and Labor, recognizing it as an innovative training experience for Kuwaiti fresh graduates to achieve professional self-development in pursuit of emerging as active and efficient workforce.