Standard Chartered-UCEP partner up to build a future-fit workforce
Under this initiative, demand-driven training programmes will be developed that prepare participants with the skills to best meet current and future demands of the job market
Standard Chartered Bank and UCEP Bangladesh jointly announced the launch of a re-skilling and employment reintegration programme for economically vulnerable individuals who have lost their livelihoods due to the impact of Covid-19.
Under this initiative, which will kick off in January next year, UCEP Bangladesh will conduct a rapid needs assessment study to identify the skills gaps in both formal and informal sectors, and the opportunities created by the disruptions caused by Covid-19.
Based on the findings of this study, demand-driven training programmes will be developed that prepare participants with the skills to best meet current and future demands of the job market, said the organisations at a press conference in Dhaka on Sunday.
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The graduates will then go through a job placement programme to complete their reintegration within the economy.
Speaking on the occasion, Standard Chartered Bangladesh's CEO Naser Ezaz Bijoy said, "Covid-19 is a once-in-a-century challenge that has forced us to rethink our way of life. It is also a generational opportunity, a chance to mould the new normal on our own terms, building a more resilient and equitable society."
"Partnership with UCEP is our attempt to help the pandemic-impacted workforce to become future-fit and get reintegrated as a gainfully employed workforce to contribute to our nation's onward journey towards prosperity," he added.
UCEP Bangladesh's Executive Director Tahsinah Ahmed said, "The Covid-19 pandemic has opened up opportunities in the domestic market, especially in the health, agriculture and technology sectors.
"Standard Chartered has been supporting UCEP Bangladesh in the skilling and up-skilling of youth, especially females, in demand-oriented occupations."
She added that through this new partnership, UCEP Bangladesh will reintegrate the youths and adults who have lost their jobs (in the aftermath of Covid-19) with wage and self-employment through Recognition of Prior Learning assessment, up-skilling and entrepreneurship development training. Food-Aid will also be provided.
