The Apprenticeship programme equips apprentices with on-the-job practical skills under real working conditions. The programme was initiated in the year 2016 with an aim to deliver 340,200 quality apprentices to the country's economy between 2019 to 2023. This initiative aims at reducing youth unemployment significantly as well as generating a more skilled labor force. Apprenticeship gives potential access to full-time employment for semi-skilled and unskilled youth. a2i is the lead entity of this commitment and the Government of Bangladesh provides the main source of financing here.

Bangladesh has a total population of 159 million and a labor force of 79 million. With a projected labor force growth rate of 2.2% over the next 10 years, 2 million youth joining the workforce every year. Among them, 0.6 million are from mainstream education and 1.1 million are trained from government/ private skills development agencies. Thus, there is a significant gap between the demand for skilled workers by the local industries and international job markets and the supply ensured by education and training centres. Apprenticeship can be a practical solution for this problem. The Apprenticeship Programme initiated by a2i involves the industries where an apprentice is equipped with on-the-job practical skills five days a week for six months. The programme concentrates on skills development in Tourism and Hospitality Sector, Agro-Food Sector, Furniture Sector, Informal Sector and so on. After successful completion of the apprenticeship period, each apprentice will be enrolled to a relevant job sector as the apprenticeship programme is carried out based on industry demand. Therefore, the industries facilitating the apprenticeship opportunities for the semi-skilled and unskilled youth eventually hire them as full-time employees as the business entities operating apprenticeship programs have enough time to cultivate the apprentices to fit the company culture and work structure. Moreover, certificates rewarded by the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) after successful completion of apprenticeship helps the apprentices effectively promote their skills and capabilities to potential employers. The commitment aims to contribute to a significant reduction in youth unemployment.

Bangladesh, Access to Information (a2i); Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training; Bangladesh Technical Education Board; Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments; Department of Social Services; International Labour Organization (ILO); Oxfam; Plan International; Actionaid Bangladesh; YOUTHOPIA.বাংলা