Skill Development Program

Empowering Youth for a Better Future

he Faridpur Development Agency (FDA), with the support of BRAC, is implementing the Skill Development Program (SDP) to enhance the employability of youth through technical and vocational training. Bangladesh has a large youth population, with one-third aged between 10 and 25 years. Each year, nearly 2 million young individuals enter the labor market, yet 41% of those aged 15-25 have no education, training, or employment. Despite living in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, many young Bangladeshis face an uncertain and insecure future due to a lack of skills and employment opportunities. Consequently, many industries are forced to recruit skilled workers from abroad, highlighting a major workforce gap in the country. Around 75% of business leaders have identified the shortage of skilled labor as a significant barrier to industrial growth and national development. This is a crisis that cannot be ignored.

A significant portion of the population is either illiterate or has minimal literacy, including many young individuals. Those without skills often find themselves unemployed or involved in unfavorable activities, hindering national development. Many others end up in irregular, low-paying jobs due to their lack of expertise. In contrast, skilled workers receive significantly higher wages than unskilled laborers. The Skill Development Program (SDP) aims to provide vocational training to disadvantaged, neglected, and underprivileged young men and women, transforming them into skilled professionals and contributing to national progress.

Objectives of the Skill Development Program (SDP)

The core objective of SDP is to build a Bangladesh where every youth has the opportunity to realize their potential. The program focuses on creating large-scale positive changes through various social and economic initiatives, ensuring equal growth opportunities for both men and women.

The Faridpur Development Agency (FDA) is implementing SDP in Faridpur Sadar and Bhanga Upazila, targeting underprivileged rural youth, especially school dropouts aged 16 to 25. By equipping them with technical skills, SDP aims to integrate them into the workforce, ensuring long-term employment and financial stability.

Training Trades under SDP

The Skill Development Program (SDP) offers training in five key trades:

Tailoring & Dressmaking (Female)
Tailoring & Dressmaking (Male)
IT Support Technician
Beauty Salon (Female)
Motorcycle Servicing Mechanic

Training Programs since 2022

1. Tailoring & Dressmaking (Female)

Total Participants: 38 women
Duration: 10 months
Outcome: Graduates now work from home or in various tailoring shops, earning a stable income.

2. Tailoring & Dressmaking (Male)

Total Participants: 11 men
Duration: 10 months
Outcome: Graduates have secured jobs in different tailoring shops and are earning independently.

3. IT Support Technician

Total Participants: 8 individuals
Duration: 10 months
Outcome: Graduates are now employed in various computer shops, utilizing their technical skills.

4. Beauty Salon (Female)

Total Participants: 25 women
Duration: 10 months
Placement: 15 beauty parlors
Outcome: Participants are now employed in beauty salons, continuously improving their expertise.

5. Motorcycle Servicing Mechanic

Total Participants: 6 men
Duration: 10 months
Placement: 3 motorcycle servicing centers
Outcome: Graduates are now working in service centers and planning to establish their own businesses.

Course Completion & Certification

Upon completing the 10-month training, all participants underwent an assessment. Based on their performance, each graduate was awarded a certificate, validating their newly acquired skills and enhancing their employability.

The Skill Development Program (SDP) by FDA is dedicated to uplifting underprivileged youth by providing them with industry-relevant skills, paving the way for economic empowerment and a sustainable future.