TVET and the Development of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is the 8th most populous country in the world which 31 per cent of the population lives below the international poverty line (US$1.25 per day). This means every third person is struggling every day to survive. Poverty causes flow-on effects as well, on global problems such as conflict, crime and environmental degradation. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) offers a way to address the needs our huge and expanding population by providing skills to enhance employ-ability and reduce poverty by ensuring safe and respectable work for all.

Human development is more important than the raising of national incomes. We have no more alternatives to gain development except properly utilizing our population. Investment in TVET produces benefit both to the individual and to society as a whole.

TVET creates an environment  in  which  people  can  develop  their  full  potential  and  lead  productive,  creative  lives  in accordance with  their needs  and  interests. Our greatest strength is our people. So we urgently need to utilize our over‐crowded population and large labor market.  To improve the quality of employees, our people need to be trained in modern professional‐based and job‐oriented technical, technological and vocational programs.

Quality technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is essential in ensuring the country’s competitiveness in the global labor market, and ensuring decent work for all. Together with the ILO and with the support of the European Union, we are making significant progress towards reform in TVET in Bangladesh.

Skills, knowledge and innovation are driving forces of economic growth and social development globally. Countries with higher levels of education and highly skilled citizens are not only more competitive in the global economy, but can also quickly respond to challenges and seize opportunities. With the creation of the National Skills Development Council Secretariat and the recent approval of the National Skills Development Policy by Cabinet, the Government of Bangladesh is making significant progress towards developing a flexible, market-oriented training system.

References

1. http://capacity4dev.ec.europa.eu/article/tvet-reform-promotes-social-inclusion-and-skills-bangladesh

2. http://www.thedailystar.net/tide-turned-45550

3. http://www.unevoc.unesco.org/go.php?q=page_Youth+and+skills