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Like any other unemployed young man, Giaul Islam, 26 years old, was looking for a job. He had applied to so many places but in vain. Then one day he saw a banner about the Chevron-supported “Uttoron” project – a chance for skills training.
“I wasted no time in coming to the UCEP training institute in Sylhet. The two-day motivational class filled me with hope. I chose to take the electrical trade course. Within two months of completing the training I got a job as a machine operator with the Pran-RFL Group.”
Speaking about his work experience, Giaul says, “When I joined this training course, I realised that there is a much higher demand for technical education than conventional education. I picked up work at the company must faster than my co-workers who had no training. The Chevron-supported Uttoron project brought me here in such a short span of time and at no cost. I wouldn’t have had to face the pains of unemployment if I had taken this training earlier.”
“I will continue working hard. I will do my job to improve my family’s socioeconomic condition and to secure my younger siblings’ future. Besides that, I will also put more effort to further develop my skills.” says Shiuli, 22 years old, who couldn’t continue her studies beyond higher secondary level due to financial crisis. This made her eager to do something for herself and she registered her name with Uttoron project where she attended the two-day motivational workshop.
“I gained confidence at the workshop and the thought of being able to work and support my family made me happy. After successfully completing the four-month training, with the cooperation of UCEP, I started working in the PRAN-RFL Group’s Electrical Unit at the Habiganj Industrial Park. I didn’t have any problem integrating into the work environment due to my previous knowledge about the machines and electrical work from Uttoron’s training.”
“The teachers from Uttoron project helped me understand the concept and career prospect of the trades. It was also a reality check for me. Not only in my career, Uttoron has showed me a direction to follow in life.” says Al-Imran, 20 years old, who now works at the Pran RFL Group as a lathe machine helper.
The curse of unemployment used to lurk over him. During these difficult times, he got to know about the skill training opportunity through a public service announcement by Uttoron project and merely out of curiosity registered in it. Upon selection, he received a two-day long motivational workshop. He is successfully working in Pran RFL Group as a lathe-machine helper.
Vocational training programs directed at rapidly growing sectors have the potential to minimize skill gaps as well as improve income and employment possibilities. Such programs have often been unsuccessful, because they are not driven by the industry demand and market linkages. While every year almost 2.1 million of the population are joining the labor force according to World Bank, Bangladesh is creating only 1.3 million jobs which indicates that every year around 800,000 youths are in the unemployed pool.