NSDA Workshop Stresses Sustainable Skills Strategy over Short-Term Projects

Industry leaders and stakeholders have emphasized the importance of integrating technology with skilled manpower to establish sustainable industrial linkages, rather than relying solely on project-based solutions. They called for bringing all skill development activities under the purview of the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) and highlighted that aligning technological advancement with human resource development is crucial for building a globally competitive skills ecosystem.

This perspective was shared at a workshop held on Wednesday, August 6, in the capital, organized by NSDA. The event focused on the theme “Industry Skills Council (ISC) for Skills Development, Industry Linkage, and Employment” and featured representatives from 16 different industry skill councils.

The workshop was chaired by NSDA Member (Planning and Skills Standard) and Joint Secretary Mina Masud Uz Zaman. NSDA Executive Chairman (Secretary) Rehana Parvin attended as the chief guest. Special guests included NSDA Member (Registration and Certification) and Additional Secretary Alif Rudaba, ISC Chairman for the Informal Sector Mirza Nurul Ghani Shovon, and Vice Chairman Mansur Hasan Khondker.

Participants offered policy suggestions, practical guidance, and feedback that may be incorporated into NSDA’s upcoming action plans.

Speakers noted that a significant portion of Bangladesh’s workforce operates in the informal sector, making it imperative to enhance their skills, build capacity, and ensure access to formal employment opportunities. NSDA has already initiated efforts to validate skills, provide certification, and deliver training for workers in this sector.

Industry representatives stressed the need to adopt the Competency Standards (CS) and Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) programs under the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework (BNQF). They also called for outcome-based planning of CS and greater focus on building a skilled workforce for local entrepreneurs.

Rehana Parvin said, “We aim to integrate informal sector workers into dignified and sustainable employment through skill-based training and certification.” She underscored the need to strengthen and enhance the capacity of the ISC for the informal sector.

“The NSDA is working toward building a quality skills ecosystem. A stronger Industry Skills Council will ensure progress in this mission,” she added.

Senior officials of NSDA, ISC members, and representatives from both public and private institutions were present at the event.