Acute shortage of skilled workforce in domestic industry: Stakeholders

The shortage of skilled workforce in the country's domestic industry remains unresolved. In particular, stakeholders said there is a growing lack of skilled operators and engineers to operate industrial machinery. 

During a meeting at The Peninsula Hotel in Chattogram's GEC Circle yesterday (7 May), they said immediate action is needed to address this issue. 

To that end, the government and industry stakeholders have launched an initiative to train 8,500 skilled workers for the shipbuilding industry over the next two years. 

The Employers Committee Meeting – Chattogram zone was jointly organised by the Finance Division's Skills for Industry Competitiveness & Innovation Program (SICIP) and the Association of Export Oriented Shipbuilding Industries of Bangladesh (AEOSIB).

Speakers at the meeting included AEOSIB-SICIP's Chief Coordinator, Capt Mohammed Habibur Rahman, Assistant Executive Program Director, Mohammad Afzal Hossain, and Project Standing Committee Chairman, Md Golam Sarwar. 

During an open discussion session, representatives from various organisations expressed their views on skilled workforce shortages, training demands, and other related issues.

Chief Coordinator Capt Mohammed Habibur Rahman said a total of 19,431 individuals, including 1,275 women, were trained under this programme between 2016 and 2023. Of these, 17,221 received certificates. 

He also said 75.37% of the enrolled trainees (12,980 individuals) are currently active in the job market, collectively earning around Tk100 crore. 

Among them, 277 are working abroad and have earned approximately $7.5 million.

He added that a new project with a budget of around Tk40 crore was approved last September. Under this project, by December 2028, 6,000 semi-educated individuals will be transformed into skilled workers through 11 training institutes and shipyards. 

Habibur Rahma said the training will include: 2,200 in Welding & Fabrication (Basic), 3,000 in Electrical Installation and Maintenance (Shipbuilding), 500 in Marine Engine Operation and Maintenance, and 300 in Boiler Operation and Maintenance. 

In addition, advanced training will be arranged for 2,500 graduates.

Assistant Executive Program Director Mohammad Afzal Hossain said, "If our training does not lead to real contributions in the workplace, it will be of no use. The shipbuilding industry is projected to grow to $4 billion."

"Our skilled workforce currently remains stuck at lower employment levels, both domestically and abroad. We are still dependent on foreign manpower for mid- and high-level positions. We are launching research grants focusing on industry-based studies to bridge the gap between industry and academia," he added. 

"Even in Bangladesh's outer anchorage, welders are needed to patch up and repair damaged lighter vessels. There is also a high international demand for such professionals. These trained divers command high salaries. Plans are also underway to develop the workforce for this sector," said Project Standing Committee Chairman Md Golam Sarwar.