TruStory
In the last decades unemployment among Bangladeshi youth has become a significant issue, as currently the proportion of joblessness stands around 15.5%. Despite a large and growing young population, many young people face challenges in securing meaningful employment. Major reasons for this are: mismatching skills, limited job opportunities, educational system issues and an urban-rural divide.
The Building Youth Employability through Skills (BYETS) program, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN), led by Swisscontact, is a four-year-long initiative commenced in 2022. Swisscontact entered a partnership with Truvalu to design and implement impactful interventions specifically in the ICT sector.
The program aims to empower 25,000 Bangladeshi youth, including 50% women, with improved technical, employability, and entrepreneurial skills. It seeks to connect them to income-generating opportunities, namely, jobs and self-employment in three sectors: Ready Made Garments (RMG), Agro-Processing (AP), and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). BYETS operates across Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, and Rajshahi divisions of Bangladesh.
The initiative plans to achieve these objectives through 2 different interventions. Firstly it will provide classroom-based training which will cover agro-processing and Information & Communication Technology (ICT). Secondly, it provides workplace-based training, enabling them to enhance their employability and focusing on Agro-processing and Ready Made Garments
Intervention 1: Market driven training through TSP
Building the capacity of Training Service Providers (TSPs) to design and implement quality training and job placement support services. BYETS will support the Training Service Providers to provide demanding courses, resulting in youth access to training programs, better job placement, increased income & improved capacity of TSP’s for providing future training
Intervention 2: Workplace-based training
Collaborating with private sector employers in improving existing workplace-based training. The project will support factories and employers for workplace-based training, resulting in: Youth access to workplace-based training, access to coaching and mentoring support, developing master trainers, and promoting a decent and inclusive workplace for youth
The BYETS initiative stands out due to its comprehensive, inclusive approach to skills development. Beyond simply providing training, it builds lasting relationships between government bodies, private sector employers, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), creating an enduring framework for sustainable skills-building. This public-private collaboration addresses both the immediate and long-term needs of Bangladesh’s evolving job market, promoting decent work and fair labor practices.
Truvalu, is committed to empowering the youth through skill development and training as a Training Service Provider (TSP). Their role in this project is to design and implement impactful interventions specifically in the ICT sector. The interventions are designed with sustainability in mind. We aim to create programs that continue to benefit participants and the ICT sector long after the project’s conclusion.
Designing Training Module and Boot Camp Activities
After reviewing existing materials, consulting with stakeholders, conducting a thorough needs assessment, and developing the curricula outline and session plans, the project team has successfully prepared the draft version of the comprehensive training manual and activities aimed at facilitating learning and skill development.
Trainee Selection Tools or Criteria
Truvalu has developed effective trainee selection tools and criteria based on experience and consultations that align with the program objectives. Collaborating with the BYETS team and TSPs, these tools have been finalized, and training on their use has been conducted.
Skill Development and Certification Programs
Skill Development is pursued through employing training programs, which regard high-demand areas such as software development, data analytics, and digital marketing. Certification Programs include an industry-relevant curriculum, which structures curriculum-based training sessions that may include lectures, workshops and practical exercises. Through these implementations youths are trained in the topics of digital literacy, e-commerce, online business and certification processes.
Mentorship and Coaching
The mentorship aims to connect beneficiaries with ICT professionals. The coaching sessions focus on developing soft skills, professional etiquette, and industry insights. The topics that are aimed at, include: career guidance, client communication, building portfolios, freelancing and remote work are being taught to the participants.
Access to Technology and Resources
Through access to Technology and Resources there will be focus on hands-on experience. Beneficiaries will have access to necessary software access and digital wallets for their journey. Access to these resources ensures that all participants, regardless of their background, have the opportunities to learn and grow in the ICT. Topics considered are utilizing digital tools, payment platforms, online collaboration tools and cybersecurity basics.
ToT for Partners
Truvalu is currently delivering a Training of Trainers (ToT) program aimed at enhancing the capacity of project partners. The outcomes, challenges, and feedback from the training are being carefully documented and analyzed. A business case will be prepared and Facilitated to the partners based on these insights to highlight the impact and effectiveness of the ToT, ensuring alignment with the program’s objectives and identifying areas for future improvement and scalability.