UCEP Bangladesh launched the QuEST-II project to create skilled workforce at its headquarters in Dhaka on Monday. The project aims to create a skilled and inclusive workforce that will support the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, said a media release. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has provided financial support for the project. Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Jeremy Bruer was the chief guest at the launching ceremony. Khaled Mamun Chowdhury ndc, Director General, Department of Labour, was present as a special guest.   Dr. Mohammad Alauddin, Chairperson of UCEP Bangladesh, presided over the event, and Dr. Md. Abdul Karim, Executive Director of UCEP Bangladesh, gave the welcome address and expressed his gratitude to DFAT for its investment in the project, which will enable UCEP to serve as a model for skills workforce development and empower underprivileged children and youth. The High Commissioner praised UCEP Bangladesh for its significant contribution to technical and vocational education and training in the country and its dedication to improving the lives of underprivileged children and youth, including females and individuals with disabilities. The programme ended with a cultural performance by the students of UCEP Bangladesh. The organisation  is proud to work with DFAT towards the common goal of improving education quality and creating a brighter future for all citizens. UCEP Bangladesh looks forward to continuing its partnership with DFAT to bring about positive change in society and create a better future for all.    

Standard Chartered has announced the launch of the second phase of re-skilling and employment reintegration programme for economically vulnerable individuals who have lost their livelihoods due to the impact of Covid-19, in partnership with UCEP. This second phase will build on the success of the first, through which around 300 trainees from Rajshahi and Rangpur have found meaningful employment after reskilling training, according to a press release. The current phase will work with 500 beneficiaries from Rajshahi and Khulna.  Through this programme, beneficiaries will improve their competencies through Apprenticeship Training, on technical and vocational areas that have been identified as skills gaps in both formal and informal sectors.  READ: SCB, SAJIDA team up to fight COVID-19 The demand-drive training will ensure that participants are able to meet the current and future demands of the job market.  Beneficiaries will also have the opportunity to appear for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Assessment through Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB) on National Technical & Vocational Qualification Framework (NTVQF) level, further enhancing their employability.  The graduates will then go through a job placement programme to complete their reintegration within the economy. Standard Chartered Bangladesh CEO Naser Ezaz Bijoy said, Covid-19 is having a disproportionate impact on the economically vulnerable, for whom there is no distinction between life and livelihood.  "After the resounding success of the first phase, we are delighted to offer the second edition of re-skilling and re-integration program for a larger cohort. This is in addition to the recently launched similar initiative that supports returnee migrant workers."  The challenge in front of us is mammoth, which is why we are sharing our tried and tested interventions as widely as possible, so that other socially responsible organisations can build on them and be a force for good by standing next to the communities in need, he added. Executive Director of UCEP Bangladesh Md. Abdul Karim expressed that the commitment of UCEP Bangladesh to equip the young adults as “productive and progressive workforce” to better contribute to the economic growth of the country. READ: SCB, Kumudini, City Group delivering food to 25,000 families He emphasized the value of the expanded partnership with Standard Chartered Bank which will help job-lost young people and their families through re-skilling and reintegration in the skill sector.