Under the financial stewardship of the Ministry of Finance, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, and with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) has entered into a collaborative agreement with WAVE Foundation to implement “Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP).” This partnership was formalized on 28 July 2025 and will remain in effect until 28 July 2028. SICIP aims to enhance the employability, productivity, and competitiveness of Bangladesh’s workforce by aligning skill development initiatives with the evolving needs of the industrial sector.
Under this program, WAVE Foundation’s Trade Training Center is responsible for delivering four intensive residential trade courses, each lasting three months: Mobile Phone Servicing, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Graphic Design, and Fashion Garments. Together, these courses are designed to train 450 participants, equipping them with practical, industry-relevant skills that promote employability and entrepreneurship. Upon completion, participants will have access to formal-sector employment or self-employment opportunities, with an ambitious target employment absorption rate of at least 65%. This initiative is expected to significantly strengthen the livelihoods and competitive capacity of the workforce.
The first batch of 100 trainees comprising 31 women and 69 men began training on 19 August 2025. This cohort includes 47 individuals from ultra-poor backgrounds, 2 persons with physical disabilities, and 2 representatives from ethnic minority communities, reflecting the program’s strong commitment to inclusivity and social equity.
This PKSF-WAVE partnership represents a strategic investment in human capital, raising sustainable industrial growth while promoting social inclusion and economic spirit throughout Bangladesh. As SICIP progresses, it is expected not only to bridge critical skill gaps but also to empower a new generation of skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators to drive the country’s development forward.
