By Mahbub Hasan Tutul, Dhaka Correspondent
Bangladesh’s local development organization, Amra Kaj Kori (AKK), with the funding of the World Bank and the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) are working in Faridpur and Rajbari districts to enhance youth skills and create sustainable employment opportunities under the Recovery and Advancement of Informal Sector Employment (RAISE) project. Since 2022, the organization has been enhancing unemployed youths for the labor market through apprentices training programme.
According to the Bangladesh Labour Force Survey 2022, over 2.1 million young people enter the labor market annually. However, a large proportion of them cannot compete due to a lack of necessary skills. Considering this, AKK is identifying promising unemployed youth through apprenticeship programs under the RAISE project and implementing initiatives to develop their skills.
A key feature of the project is the “Ustad–Shagird” (Master Craftsperson –Apprentice) model. Under this approach, unemployed youth from low-income families receive hands-on training directly under an experienced Master Craftsman.
The six-month training covers 26 trades, including Graphic Design and Multimedia, Web Design and Development, Light Engineering, Welding, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Auto Mechanics, Fashion Garments and Tailoring, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning, Carpentry and Carpentry Business, and Food preparation.
Mr.Mohammad Ashraf Hossain, owner of Ashraf Machinery Engineering Workshop in Goalanda, Rajbari, said his workshop produces and repairs various light engineering equipment for modern agriculture. Currently, three youth are undergoing training under the RAISE project, while four have already completed it. Among them, two have started their own initiatives, and the remaining two are employed with respectable wages in other organizations.
He added, “RAISE apprentices are highly motivated and careful in their work. They are trained not only in technical skills but also in business management, ethical conduct with clients, service quality improvement, and workplace environment awareness.”
Project coordinator Mr Ranjit Kumar Shil said the RAISE project not only provides technical skill training but also emphasizes life skills, work ethics, and entrepreneurial mindset development. He noted that trained youth have already secured employment with decent wages, and some have launched small businesses. This approach strengthens local skilled labor availability while promoting youth self-reliance.
AKK Executive Director Mr. M. A. Jalil said, “The Ustad–Shagird apprenticeship model is an effective technical training method. Through practical work, youth gain real-world skills.” He added that since 2022, a total of 1,047 unemployed youth (321 women, 726 men) have received technical training under the project. Many have entered wage-based employment, and those interested in entrepreneurship are offered support and funding opportunities.
Md. Aktheruzzaman, Principal of Faridpur Technical Training Center, said apprentices trained under the Ustad–Shagird model are demonstrating their acquired skills in real work. He noted that apprentices in trades like Refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC), Plumbing and Pipe fittings, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, and Small Engineering and Maintenance have participated in Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessments and achieved competency recognition. Such training programs play a critical role in developing practical skills and provide formal recognition, positively impacting future employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, to ensure effective implementation of the Ustad–Shagird model, the RAISE project team conducts regular monitoring of the apprenticeship training program. Additionally, AKK’s Executive Director Mr. M. A. Jalil, focal Person Mr Shimul Kumar Chakraborty, Program Director Mr Rasheduzzaman Miraz, and the organization’s Internal Audit team routinely monitor and follow up on activities. Their oversight helps maintain the quality of training and enhances the effectiveness of skill development among apprentices.