The Orientation & Validation Workshop focused on enhancing the capacity of ten existing TVET institutions to provide market-driven skills training. The ILO organized this workshop to familiarize TVET institution leaders and trainers with project details and encourage collaboration in the implementation of project activities. The workshop aimed to inform institution heads to determine the occupations to be offered in these selected institutions, and identify the necessary support required, including physical infrastructure, tools, and equipment. The key outcomes included clarifying participants' roles and responsibilities and finalizing potential occupations for training.
Ms. Ruchika Bahl, Head of ILO Sub-Office, Cox's Bazar extended a warm welcome to the participants and expressed gratitude for their presence. She emphasized the significance of accrediting registered training organizations and outlined the ILO's role in enhancing the TVET sector. Mr. Md. Nasir Uddin, Director, District Education Office, commended the ILO's work in Cox's Bazar and encouraged expanding interventions. Mr. Saifuddin Mohammad Hassan Ali, Deputy Director, District Youth Development Center, highlighted the importance of skills development training in the district. Mr. Abu Morshed Chowdhury, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, recognized the district's development efforts and requested an increase in ILO's activities. Ms. Zahanara Islam, President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce, highlighted ILO's past projects and called for expanded efforts in Cox's Bazar. Discussion The workshop included presentations on the project's aims, objectives, and target beneficiaries by Mr. Md. Serajul Islam, National Project Manager. It outlined the training support cycle and benefits for beneficiaries. Mr. SM Jahangir Alam, National Programme Officer-Skills Development, shared findings from visits to institutions, highlighting their interest in establishing registered training organizations. The presentations also included recommendations and next steps.
Key Findings During group discussions, participants selected potential occupations, such as steel structure fabrication, data entry, equipment handling, and boat maintenance. They considered ways to ensure women's access to training, job placement for graduates, and market-driven occupations. Recommendations included building industry partnerships, organizing seminars, conducting job fairs, and offering incentives to female trainees.
Consolidation and Next Steps Based on the recommendations, Mr. Md. Serajul Islam consolidated findings and outlined the next steps. He also detailed the roles and responsibilities of selected institutions during training preparation and implementation.
Closing Remarks Ms. Ruchika Bahl concluded the workshop, expressing gratitude for participants' recommendations and suggestions. She emphasized the value of sharing knowledge and the complexity of enrolling female trainees in the project. The workshop successfully met its objectives, providing relevant recommendations for future training at selected institutions.
The workshop discussions will play a vital role in guiding the project's efforts towards building a skilled workforce in Cox's Bazar and fulfilling the shared vision of empowering the region.
