Swisscontact, Chevron deal to create skilled workforce

Swisscontact Bangladesh has recently signed an agreement with Chevron Bangladesh at The Westin Dhaka to establish a training institute in Sylhet to create skilled workforce and provide easy access to vocational training for youths under Sylhet City Corporation (SCC). 

This public-private partnership (PPP) offers an impetus to achieve Sustainable Development Goals as per the Skills Development Policy 2011, says a press release. The project will be working with SCC to convert existing infrastructure into a training facility.

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The facility will have an initial capacity to provide training to 1,200 youths annually on four industry-demanded trades -- electrical installation & maintenance, welding, plumbing pipe fitting, and housekeeping.

"A lack of skilled workers is one of the biggest challenges our country is facing right now. Unfortunately, as a result of this, we are losing business to our competitors," said SCC Mayor Ariful Haque.

"The only way to encounter this is by creating a more skilled workforce, providing appropriate training, and equipping them for the market's ever-changing demands," he said.

"I believe that by working through this partnership, we will be able to set a new benchmark for successful Public-Private Partnership and be a role model for others," he added.

"The training facility will provide an excellent platform to kick-start the technical and vocational careers of thousands of aspirational youths, bringing about long-term, sustainable improvements for them, and the families that depend on them," said Eric M Walker, president of Chevron Bangladesh.

"Education and job training are of critical importance to help people and communities thrive. The key here is to ensure that Uttoron is sustainable, i.e., by leaving a lasting positive imprint on our communities far beyond the lifespan of the project," he said.

"Since its inception, Swisscontact has believed that access to skills, knowledge, markets, technologies and financial services will give people the ability to liberate themselves from the shackles of poverty," said Mujibul Hasan, country director of Swisscontact Bangladesh.

"The Uttoron project is a prime example of what the Swisscontact believes and wants to uphold," he said.