Bangladesh Vocational Education System Improvements to Increase Job Prospects

 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is helping thousands of unemployed and underemployed Bangladesh adults attain better wage and employment prospects by improving the country’s technical skills training system.

 

ADB has approved a $50 million loan for the Ministry of Education of Bangladesh to make its technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs market-oriented, short-term, and relevant, especially for the poor who were not able to finish the eighth grade.

 

“The project supports the government’s plan to reduce poverty and promote economic growth by providing market-relevant skills training to more Bangladeshis, including the poor and the disadvantaged,” says Project Leader Leah Gutierrez.

Under the project, leaders of the ready-made garments and textiles, light engineering, and construction industries – the three main employers in the country will help create skills training programs relevant to their industries.

 

Currently, the TVET system and the needs of the employment sectors are mismatched, as the practical component of the curriculum is not effectively taught; a majority of the teachers lack training and practical skills and have no industrial experience; the TVET institutions have poorly equipped workshop; lack teaching and training materials, and adequate classrooms and workshops.

 

Additionally, the current formal system excludes people who have not completed the eighth grade. Through the project assistance, young people who have not completed the eighth grade will be given access to training programs, and training workshops will be held in selected poor communities.

 

The project plans to train about 68,200 people over the five years of implementation.