One of Bahrain's biggest career exhibitions is reopening after a year's hiatus, providing a boost to the kingdom's jobs market.

Around 700 job-seekers found employment at the last Career Expo in 2010 and officials say this year will provide more opportunities for young people.

Career Expo 2012, which marks its 10th anniversary this year, on the back of support from Tamkeen, has attracted strong sponsorship for the three-day event.

"We didn't hold it last year simply because of the crisis here, the unrest," expo committee head Abdulellah Ebrahim Al Qassimi told the GDN.

"Now that things have come back to normal, we have received a lot of support from companies.

"Even without the support of Tamkeen, we got a lot of sponsors.

"We normally have around eight or 10 sponsors and we've almost got all of them now," he added.

However, hosting exhibitions has not been easy in the last five years owing to the financial downturn.

"We got very good responses but it's not as easy as it was four or five years ago," said Mr Al Qassimi.

"Because of the financial crisis, it is not easy for companies to come and take part.

"It requires three whole days of commitment from human resources managers and personnel.

"Companies would rather spend time trying to get business, so it's a bit difficult," he added.

"A lot of them are doing it because it's good business for them," he added.

A major incentive for companies to take part has been Tamkeen's Tarweej scheme, which subsidises up to 80 per cent of participation fees of Bahraini enterprises taking part in local and international fairs.

The scheme has subsidised costs for around 60 companies taking part in the expo.

This year's expo is expected to attract 24,000 visitors, including vocational students, job-seekers, parents as well as training and education industry professionals.

It will feature eight wings and 144 stands.

"The last time we hosted an exhibition, 600 to 700 benefitted from jobs," Mr Al Qassimi said.

"With the help of the Labour Ministry, we've created one pavilion for those who are looking for jobs and another on career guidance.

"We encourage students not to look for a job but for a career.

"We hope that with the ministry's help we can assist more people with jobs than last time," he added.

"Career Expo is one strong example of such opportunities offered by Tamkeen to Bahraini enterprises to showcase their products and services, connect with other establishments and learn the best practices in the industry to help achieve prosperity and sustainability," said Tamkeen private sector support senior manager Mohammed Bucheery.

Around 80 business owners attended the orientation session organised by Tamkeen and the National Society for the Support of Education and Training at the K Hotel in Juffair.

The Career Expo 2012 will be held from November 6 to 8 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. jennifer@gdn.com.bh