In Bangladesh, emphasis on education over skills leads to underutilization of talented individuals across various sectors, experts noted.

This issue was illuminated during the event titled ‘TVET and Apprenticeship: Empowering Key Stakeholders,’ a collaborative effort between the SME Foundation and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Bangladesh. 

The event took place at Dhaka’s Agargaon’s Parjatan Bhaban, serving as a platform to address this concern.

Dhaka University’s Prof. Shariat Ullah said at the event, “Bangladesh has 11,000+ TVET institutions with 3-month to 4-year courses.” 

Despite the extensive TVET system, Prof. Ullah pointed out that a surprising 70% of Bangladeshi expatriates lacked technical training in the years 2020-21. 

The gap between accessible training and expatriate skills highlights the need for an enhanced skill development approach.

A pertinent example was drawn from Germany’s approach, where approximately 400 thousand apprenticeships are offered annually. 

This approach blends practical work experience with education, leading to a decrease in unemployment rates. 

By focusing on skill-centered education, Germany has managed to create a workforce well-equipped for the demands of the job market.

The discussions during the event shed light on the imperative for Bangladesh to shift its focus from education-centric to skill-oriented. 

This shift is crucial for tapping into the country’s untapped potential and addressing the disconnect between the skills provided by the education system and those demanded by industries.

Bangladesh has the opportunity to bridge the gap between education and employment, ultimately leading to economic growth and individual prosperity. 

The event’s insights underscore the significance of adopting a holistic education approach that combines theoretical understanding with hands-on expertise.

This strategy is crucial for ensuring the nation’s promising trajectory, fostering both economic advancement and the well-being of individuals.