The United Technologies Corporation (UTC) Bahrain inaugurated a training centre in Bahrain to cater for “the expanding need for technically trained professionals who can handle residential, commercial and industrial security applications,” said Otto de Bont, President of UTC Fire and Security’s Global Security Products’ Europe, Middle East and Africa (MENA) region. The President told the Bahrain News Agency that UTC believed in effecting a local presence. “Our line of business makes it important for us to be positioned locally, rather than fly in crew like most others do.” The new training centre will facilitate the development of skills for Bahrainis and other professionals in the region, said de Bont. The facility offers approximately 6,000 square feet and will comprise two professional classrooms and a demonstration room. Bahrain will be the regional headquarters of UTC Fire and Safety, said de Bont. “We are interested in electrical engineers with commercial skills to be trained in our facility,” he added. Detection and warning of fire, in addition to providing security to all kinds of installations from homes to vital installations is UTC’s business, said the president. Application of any of the new technologies in fire detection and in security will only be possible with the consent of the local government, added be Bont. Local institutions such as police stations and civil defence are a part of the process and entering into a relationship with them would need government permission, he said. The training centre in Bahrain is supported by Tamkeen, an independent authority that works to promote the overall development of Bahrain and the Economic Development Board, said the president. Dr Nasser Ali Qaedi, Head of Tamkeen’s Planning and Business Development told the BNA, UTC brought in a new area of employment generation. “Bahrain is known as a financial hub, but the area that UTC engages in Bahrain is new and the jobs they bring in will be technology intensive.” Tamkeen values this as a long term career option, he said. The new training facility is expected to help boost the job potential for the engineering graduates in Bahrain, he added. “This will help the Bahrainis earn a better wage,” said DrQaedi. UTC Fire and Security, provides fire safety and security solutions using the latest available technology.