National workshop presents study findings on skills in four growth sectors

The ILO, in close consultation with government, industry, workers organizations and civil society organizations, held a workshop in the capital on December 8 and 9, 2014 to present the findings of a study focusing on the priority occupations for the future growth of the furniture, ceramics, agro food processing and pharmaceutical sectors. The workshop also sought feedback from key stakeholders to validate the findings.

News | 25 August 2015
The workshop discussed the findings of a strategic scenario planning study initiated by the Bangladesh Skills for Employment and Productivity Project. The study analysed the internal strengths and weaknesses of the four priority growth sectors, the external opportunities and threats the sectors are facing and presented a detailed strategic plan focusing on which occupation are the most important to raise the skills and improve the productivity of the workforce.

This study is very useful for the furniture sector, we shall now start to develop our required skilled workforce based on the future need of our business, rather than the current status”, Mr A Karim Majumdar, Secretary General of Furniture Industry Skills Council.
Professor Dr Kamal and Mr Jishu Tarafder presented the findings and representatives from Industry Skills Councils and key government agencies reviewed the findings and provided inputs.

Participants were advised to send further revisions to respective Industry Skills Councils for further review. The ILO will then facilitate workshops in each of the priority sectors to develop action plans for developing the skills in the priority occupations identified in the studies.

Participants included CEO, National Skills Development Council Secretariat; Director (Planning & Development), Directorate of Technical Education; Second Secretary (Development), High Commission of Canada Ms Loree Semeluk; Councillor, Rangamati Hill District and CEO, Bandarban Hill District Council, industry representatives from four priority sectors, representatives from Employers Federation and Trade Union.

The ILO is currently working with the Government of Bangladesh to reform the skills development system through two major initiatives; a CAD19.5 million grant from Canada for the Bangladesh Skills for Employment and Productivity (B-SEP) Project, and a Euro 14 million grant from the European Union for the TVET Reform in Bangladesh Project.

See the National Skills Development Policy (English/Bangla) here