Tk 1.614b project for training to 15,500 workers launched

The government launched Thursday a Tk1.614 billion project to provide training to nearly 15,500 workers including 1000 trainers, assessors and managers of some particular sectors including pharmaceuticals, ceramic and furniture.
The Canadian government is providing financial support and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) technical assistance for the five-year project titled 'Bangladesh Skills for Employment and Productivity' (B-SEP).
Education minister Nurul Islam Nahid formally inaugurated the project at a city hotel as chief guest. Among others, Education Secretary Dr Muhammed Sadique, Labour Secretary Mikail Shipar, Canadian High Commissioner in Dhaka Heather Cruden, ILO Country Director (Bangladesh) Srinivasa B Reddy, expatriate welfare and overseas ministry Additional Secretary Md Hazrat Ali. Member Secretary of the National Coordination Committee for Workers' Education (NCCWE) Chowdhury Ashiqul Alam, Member of Executive Committee of National Skills Development Council and Director General, Directorate of Technical Education Shahjahan Mian, B-ESP Chief Technical Adviser (ILO Dhaka) Cezar Dragutan addressed the programme.
Of the total money, Canada will provide around Tk1.54 billion while the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) will give Tk80 million.
Initially, the five-year project will focus on five target industries, namely, agro-food processing, tourism and hospitality, pharmaceuticals, ceramics and furniture manufacturing industries as they are major players in the country's economy.
Launching the project, Mr Nahid said, "our vision for the future is to ensure quality education that meets global standard and enhance the skills of our workforce so that they can have mobility across borders and create higher demand for their skills in the global market."
"Already we have achieved the goal of bringing nearly all children to school, now it is high time that we train them and turn into skilled workforce. This will ensure betterment for all and reduce poverty," the minister said.
Ministry of Education is implementing the project through its Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) and ILO is providing technical cooperation.
Canadian High Commissioner said, "Canada is committed to supporting the Government of Bangladesh's efforts to enhance the skills of its people for safe, meaningful and productive jobs in both local and global marketplace".
She said they believe that Canada's support to this ILO project will contribute to a better-trained and skilled workforce in target sectors, which have the potential to contribute to economic opportunities for the people of Bangladesh.
"Building on the momentum of ILO-led Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Reform Project this new venture will take the issue of skills development to a new level and will directly enhance the capacity of all the stakeholders." said Srinivasa B Reddy.
"I believe that this project will be a useful tool in creating an efficient and skilled workforce for Bangladesh." he added.
The B-SEP Project will provide technical support in key areas that will include skills funding, planning and support services, competency based training and assessment, industry skills development and improved access to skills training.
The B-SEP project will work closely with a number of national implementing partners including: National Skills Development Council (NSDC), Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB), Directorate of Technical Education, Ministry of Education (DTE), Bureau of Manpower Employment & Training, Ministry of Expatriate Welfare & Overseas Employment (BMET).