Bridging the Gap Between Technical Education and Industry Needs in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has advanced technical education, producing many diploma holders. Still, a key challenge remains: graduates often lack the practical skills needed for today's labour market.

The mandatory 16-week Industrial Attachment is meant to bridge education and employment. Instead, it often fails to achieve its intended outcome. Many students complete it with limited hands-on experience and remain underprepared for real-life operational and technical challenges at work. As a result, industries struggle to find qualified personnel. Graduates also struggle to find meaningful employment.

Recognising this gap, the Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB) has launched an Industry–Academia Pilot Program. Supported technically by the ILO ProGRESS project, this program seeks to redesign the Industrial Attachment model. The initiative emphasises practical, industry-integrated learning and closer collaboration between polytechnic institutes and private-sector partners.

As part of this pilot, GPH Ispat has taken a pioneering role by hosting students from Chattogram Polytechnic Institute and Bangladesh Sweden Polytechnic Institute, Kaptai. Under the guidance and encouragement of Director Sadman Syka Sefa, GPH Ispat's participation reflects a deeper belief that empowering young people with hands-on technical experience is not merely a CSR effort – it is an investment in Bangladesh's future competitiveness.

Under its broader vision, "Think Big with GPH Ispat," the company creates opportunities for young engineering students to gain industrial exposure. This is done through a structured Industrial Attachment Program. Each year, students from top universities and technical institutes participate in hands-on training at the GPH Ispat factory. Here, they experience modern steelmaking technology and see operational excellence firsthand. Beyond technical training, GPH Ispat also strengthens academia–industry collaboration through a recent partnership with RISE (Research and Innovation Centre for Science and Engineering) at BUET. This focuses on intellectual property management and building a culture of innovation in industrial research. GPH Ispat also advances technical education by operating the Idris Ali Madbor Polytechnic Institute in Munshiganj. At this institute, students receive quality technical education that empowers them for self-development and sustainable livelihoods.

The program goes beyond technical training. Each student receives pre-placement soft skills development to build communication, problem-solving, and workplace readiness. For GPH Ispat, this initiative aligns with its long-term human capital strategy. The goal is to build a technically competent, industry-ready workforce that can support sustainable growth in manufacturing.

When industries and academic institutions collaborate, the impact extends beyond a single pilot. By co-designing curricula and offering real-world exposure, companies like GPH Ispat make education more relevant to market demands. Students gain experiential learning, mentoring, and a true understanding of industrial culture. These are essential ingredients for a skilled and adaptable workforce.

Scaling up such initiatives across Bangladesh's polytechnic institutions could transform the country's education-to-employment pipeline, reducing unemployment and strengthening the technical foundation of the national economy.

Closing the Industry–Academia gap is not just possible – it's essential. Now is the time for industry leaders, educators, and policymakers to actively join forces. Take concrete steps to expand and support practical, integrated training models nationwide. By connecting learning with real opportunities, Bangladesh can empower graduates to drive the nation's industrial future with competence and confidence.