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 the 5th December 2024 at Conference Hall, WARISAN Hotel, Shaheb Bazar, Zero Point, Rajshahi. The objective of the 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 advocating for the adoption of quality apprenticeships as a strategic response to future workplace challenges.

Mr. Joha Jamilur Rahman, Head of Training at BEF, was the resource person for the event. He conducted 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. Shakendar Ali, General Secretary, Rajshahi Babosayi Somonnoi Parishad, chaired the inaugural session. The Special Guests present were Ms. Anjuman Ara Lily, President, WEAB, Rajshahi and Mst. Mahabub Ara Nila, MateRoyal IT, Rajshahi. Representatives from different organizations actively participated in the discussions, sharing their insights and perspectives with attendees.

A total of 20 participants (Female-07, Male-13) including Business Association, Employers, Employees from different industry sectors participated in the session. This collaborative effort highlighted the importance of quality apprenticeship system in Bangladesh.