Why in this sentence is the bare continuous infinitive used?
It is important that the focus of training courses be towards enabling employees to competently perform tasks It is important that the focus of training courses be towards enabling employees to competently perform tasks.
"It is important that the focus of training courses be towards enabling employees to competently perform tasks".
In this sentence, the verb is 'be' and it is in the subjunctive mood; the word 'towards' is a preposition which is placed before the verbal noun (gerund) 'enabling'.
Subjunctive: The subjunctive a special kind of present tense which has no -s in the third person singular. It is sometimes used, especially in American English, after words which express the idea that something is important or desirable (e.g. suggest, recommend, ask, insist, vital, essential, important, advice).
E.g It is important that every child have the same educational opportunities.
It is important that Helen be present when we sign the papers.
The forms I were and he/she/it were used after if and wish are also a kind of subjunctive.
E.g. If I were you I should stop smoking. I wish it were Saturday.
Subjunctive are also use in certain fixed phrases:
God save the King! God bless you.
(Based on Michael Swan's PEU).
