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Enterprise based training delivers results in Bangladesh
Enterprise Based Training is helping one major Bangladesh Ready Made Garment company to reduce the numbers of low-skilled ‘helpers’ and providing a pool of trained staff to step in when staff shortages occur.
In October 2015, Fakir Apparel introduced Enterprise Based Training (EBT) inside the factory with support from the Centre of Excellence for the Bangladesh Apparel Industry (CEBAI). The purpose of starting EBT was to train and up-skill operators. Training was also needed for new workers as well as to provide a pool of skilled staff who could provide support during any worker shortages.
Mr. Md. Kamruzzaman, General Manager (HR and Audit) of Fakir Apparels oversees EBT activities.
Usually, a worker can find training by themselves, but often it is of no use when they start working in export oriented garment factories. Here, Enterprise Based Training is designed based on the requirements of the factory,”
Mr. Md. Kamruzzaman, General Manager of Fakir Apparels
“EBT is playing a crucial role to meet the challenges arising from the dropout of workers by providing a backup pool of trained workers. At present the factory has 200 trained workers to provide back up when needed. Usually workers receiving EBT are loyal and provide greater output than others.”
Another significant outcome of EBT is the elimination of helpers in factories.
“We have succeeded in reducing helpers from 10 to 5 for every 20 skilled workers,” said Mr. Kamruzzaman. “We are also working hard for 100 percent percent elimination of helpers for salaried skilled workers,” he added. “Once workers receive EBT they no longer need any support from helpers as they had been trained to work independently. Helpers are also trained so that they can become operators and earn higher salaries.”
Fakir Apparels has allocated 3,500 sq ft of space to run the training center which features practice lines and a class room. There are three instructors, two trainers and a manager. Currently the center has the capacity to provide training for 30 persons. However, management is planning to increase this to 100 persons.
CEBAI has supported the Centre by training the trainers and instructors. It has also provided comprehensive training modules for conducting EBT that are custom tailored to the requirements of the factory. In addition, CEBAI helped forge links between Fakir Apparels and the Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB). The training centre needs to offer services that meet national standards. Participants are assessed by staff from the BTEB at the end of the course and receive a nationally recognized certificate from BTEB after successfully completing the training.
Fakir Apparels is one of ten companies which have launched Enterprise Based Training schemes with the support of the Centre for Excellence for the Bangladesh Apparel Industry (CEBAI). CEBAI is supported by the ILO, Sweden, H&M and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).