Standard Chartered Bank and UCEP Bangladesh to empower 2,000 vulnerable youths with employable skills and entrepreneurship training

UCEP Bangladesh, in collaboration with Standard Chartered Bank, has launched "Giving Wings to Dreams for Youth Empowerment Programme" under Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, the Bank's flagship global community initiative. 

The project will provide skills training, mid-level management, and entrepreneurship development opportunities to 2,000 beneficiaries through various training programs. The project prioritizes inclusivity with a target of 50% female representation and 2% representation of persons with disabilities among the beneficiaries. By equipping underprivileged youth and adults with essential skills, the project aims to transform them into skilled human resources, improve their socio-economic status, and contribute to the overall growth of Bangladesh.

The project launch ceremony took place on 18 June, at the UCEP TVET Institute in Gazipur. Md. Zahid Ahsan Russel, MP, State Minister for Youth and Sports, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Dr Md Abdul Karim, executive director of UCEP Bangladesh and former principal secretary to the Prime Minister, delivered the welcome address, emphasising the successful partnership between Standard Chartered Bank and UCEP Bangladesh. He highlighted the impact the partnership has had in uplifting underprivileged youth and communities, promoting skills-based education, and fostering socio-economic development in Bangladesh.

Naser Ezaz Bijoy, chief executive officer, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said, "Gazipur, a key industrial hub and home to over 3000 factories, is one of the key drivers of Bangladesh's resilient progress. The training programmes, designed in close consultation with the public and private sectors and based on our own gap analysis, will empower the youth and at the same time increase the supply of skilled workforce for the industries of Gazipur, helping catalyse the next chapter of growth. This is another example of how the private sector, the development sector and the government are working together to achieve our shared goals of progress and prosperity for our nation."

Also present on the occasion was Zahida Ispahani, vice chairperson, UCEP Board of Governors, Dr. Ubaidur Rob, former chairperson, UCEP Board of Governors, and other distinguished guests.

The initiative will be implemented in the Gazipur District, focusing on creating sustainable change within the local community. Spanning from May 2023 to April 2025, the project holds the promise of a brighter future for thousands of underprivileged individuals.

Through demand-driven training, participants will acquire skills that meet current and future job market demands. They will also have the opportunity to appear for assessments through Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB), National Skills Development Authority on National Technical & Vocational Qualification Framework (NTVQF) level, enhancing their employability. Graduates will then benefit from a job placement programme to reintegrate into the economy.