High Returns on BITAC Training Investment, 100% Female Employment Positive: Khondoker Abdul Muktadir

The true success of public investment depends on its effective results. From this perspective, the technical training activities conducted by the Bangladesh Industrial Technical Assistance Center (BITAC) are among the most successful investments in the country, remarked Commerce, Industries, and Textiles & Jute Minister Khondoker Abdul Muktadir.

The Minister made these comments as the chief guest at the certificate and appointment letter distribution ceremony for the 20th batch of trainees held at the BITAC auditorium in Tejgaon, Dhaka, today, Tuesday, June 30. The event was organized under the project titled "Extension of BITAC Activities for Employment Generation and Poverty Alleviation with Emphasis on Hands-on Technical Training for Women (Phase-2)."

The Minister noted that although many projects in the past failed to deliver expected outcomes, this BITAC project is transforming a vast number of youths into a skilled workforce at a relatively low cost. This project, valued at around BDT 121-123 crore, provides skill development opportunities to nearly 16,000 trainees. The three-month training develops discipline, a sense of responsibility, and a professional attitude alongside technical skills.

Emphasizing that the training must continue even after the project's timeline expires, the Minister stated that if necessary, the training activities would be expanded through project extensions or new initiatives. He also announced that next week, he will exchange views with BITAC trainers regarding robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and modern technology-driven training methods.

Highlighting female employment, the Minister mentioned that 100% employment has been ensured for the 165 female trainees of the 20th batch. On the other hand, many male trainees did not accept immediate appointments as they plan to seek overseas employment or become entrepreneurs. This reflects the high acceptance of BITAC training among industrial groups. BITAC's curriculum will be updated regularly to keep pace with rapid technological changes.

Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan attended the event as the special guest, with BITAC Director General Mo. Firoz Uddin presiding. The Industries Secretary stated that the hands-on training model has already proven its capability. Trainees are receiving job offers from various industrial groups even before completing their courses. Senior officials from different government departments, industrial organizations, and BITAC were present at the event.

Earlier, the Minister received the appointment letters from various industrial groups and handed them over to the trainees. Before the main event, the Minister planted a tree sapling on the BITAC premises. Notably, a total of 344 trainees successfully completed the 3-month technical training in the 20th batch. Among them, 255 secured jobs, the majority of whom are women. In the Phase-2 project, 8,465 out of 13,210 trainees have secured jobs so far, reflecting a success rate of nearly 64%.

//DBTech/EH/EK//