Standard Chartered-UCEP partner up to build a future-fit workforce

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.

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.