Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF), in collaboration with the ProGRESS Project of ILO, Country Office for Bangladesh, organized and conducted a daylong “Advocacy Session on Apprenticeship System in Bangladesh” on 14 November 2024 at SWODFISH Training Center, Hemel Cottage, 3rd Floor, C & B Roard, Barishal Sadar. The aim of this session was to raise awareness among employers about the apprenticeship system in Bangladesh and to promote cost-effective apprenticeship programs. The session specifically focused on advocacy for the adoption of quality apprenticeships as a strategic response to future workplace challenges.
Mr. Md. Moslem Uddin, Assistant Secretary General, BEF, served as the resource person for the event. He opened the session by outlining the objectives and expected outcomes, employing participatory methods to engage attendees throughout the discussions. A summary of the discussions and a proposed way forward were also presented by him.
Mr. SM Jakir Hossain, President, Barishal Agro Seed Business Association, chaired the inaugural session, welcomed participants and reiterated the session’s objectives. As a special guest Ms. Bilkis Ahmed, President, Barishal Women Chamber was also present at the inaugural session.
The session attracted a diverse group of 20 participants, generously split between 09 women and 11 men, representing various sectors including business associations, employers, and worker organizations. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of engaging multiple stakeholders in shaping an effective apprenticeship system that meets the needs of both employers and the workforce in Bangladesh.
