Journal of Socialomics

Abstract

Employment Linked Skills Training for Underprivileged Children and Youth in Bangladesh

Silvia Zaman

Skill development and vocational education have to be aligned to ensure better employment opportunities for the Bangladeshi labor force, in both local and overseas job markets. In the country the lack of relevant skills of the underprivileged youth group and a mismatch between supply and demand in the market leads to very poor employability and lower wages for them. Children’s welfare should always be the priority of a country. Bangladesh has also taken various efforts at national and regional level to promote health, nutrition, education and socio-cultural interests of children. A national action plan is also being drawn up for children’s development. In this research it has been emphasized that necessary education, training and skill development programs are very necessary for disadvantaged group to have a better life. Education and training are crucial to ensure sustainable economic and social development. Investment in the skills and employability of workers contributes to the improvement of productivity and competitiveness. But a great number of destitute children are not getting the basic needs like education and skill development training which is leading them to poverty, insufficient nutrition and illiteracy. A complete strategy for Skills Training Programs Linked to Employment (STDLE) will need to be developed so that underprivileged group can have access for skills training leading to employment. Skills are vital for productivity and growth and are in fact at the core of improving people’s employment outcomes. Many training providers administered by public, private and NGOs run skills training programs that address skills needs of industry. Government and development partners strongly feel the needs of skills development programs wherein underprivileged group should have access.