Guided by the slogan “Developing Human Capacity through Small Initiatives,” the first assessment of apprentices under the RAISE Project—implemented by Ghashful with financing from Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and the World Bank—was held on 22 January in the Kalarpol Branch area of Patiya Upazila, Chattogram.
The training, conducted under the Guru–Shishya (apprenticeship) model, involved 32 apprentices receiving hands-on skills training under the supervision of 13 skilled Master Craft Persons (MCPs) across six technical trades. The assessment was led by Mr. Kazi Md. Sirajus Salakeen, Coordinator of the Ghashful RAISE Project, with support from Mr. Md. Gias Uddin Parvez, Accounts Officer, and Mr. Syed Mansur Ali, Branch Manager of Kalarpol Branch.
The assessment, conducted by the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), is considered a key milestone in evaluating the competencies, skill acquisition, and job readiness of the apprentices.
The training trades included:
- Mobile Phone Servicing
- Beautification
- Welding and Fabrication
- Motorcycle Servicing
- Dress Making and Tailoring
- Graphics Design and Multimedia
Through the RAISE Project, participants are not only gaining technical skills but are also being linked to potential employment and opportunities for micro-enterprise development. The project further supports youth self-reliance through expanded financing, enterprise development support, and microfinance services, enabling more young people to become economically independent.
It is noteworthy that the RAISE Project (Results-Based Apprenticeship for Innovative Skills Enhancement) is designed to promote employment generation, skills development, and entrepreneurial capacity within Bangladesh’s informal sector. Jointly financed by the World Bank and PKSF, the project is playing a significant role in creating sustainable economic opportunities for youth and small entrepreneurs across different regions of the country.