CPD for curriculum matching job demands

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) on Saturday recommended aligning the curriculum with current job market demands, ensuring that the students are more equipped for employment.

Addressing a dialogue on Saturday titled “Skills Gap and Youth Employment in Bangladesh,” speakers also pointed out that Bangladesh’s unemployment rate is higher among educated youths, indicating that their education did not empower them with the right skills.

They also suggested appointing career counsellors at every education institution to help students identify their strengths, prepare curriculum vitae and job applications, and engage in entrepreneurship from an early age.

CPD Executive Director Fahmida Khatun moderated the session – organised by the centre in collaboration with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Bangladesh Office, while Planning Minister MA Mannan participated as the chief guest.

Presenting the keynote, CPD’s Senior Research Associate Syed Yusuf Saadat recommended building a database of youth NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), which would provide a comprehensive picture of the labour market.

“We should expand computer and internet connectivity, particularly in the rural regions. We should integrate and encourage skills training to include soft, advanced ICT, service industry and 4IR skills to respond to rising employer demand,” he added.

He pointed out that job fairs can be organised so that effective interaction between graduates and employers may inform future job seekers about the skills that are in demand in the upcoming labour market.

Saadat said teachers should acquire ICT skills in order to help their students become more skilled in computer operation and technology because employers believe that digital skill development should be prioritised.

“Companies need to create a positive work environment for all, especially women, and encourage innovation among the employees. And, students should take personal initiatives to develop their communication and English language skills by reading fiction and non-fiction English books, outside of their formal education,” he recommended.

Saadat further emphasised the need for further research to identify the skills that are in high demand in the present labour market, adding that such research can enlighten job-seekers to prepare accordingly and also encourage policy-makers to allocate resources towards the sharpening of market relevant skills.

As the chief guest, Planning Minister MA Mannan said, “The government is working to ensure a comprehensive transformation in society. Market demand has changed in local and global markets due to various reasons.

“We are prioritising science and technology. The number of science students from school to university levels has risen to 18 per cent – 19 per cent in the country, from 2 per cent a decade ago.  We hope that the figure will increase to 40 per cent in the future.”

Responding to a question, the minister said there is no reason to be afraid of the increase in the number of universities, as the country’s population is increasing too. Although there is the question of education quality, the government is trying to resolve such problems.

Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (MCCI) President Barrister Nihad Kabir said, “Government jobs are more attractive to students now. But the seats are limited there. Besides, hard and soft skills are now important for both government and private jobs.

“We noticed a big deficit in Bangla language skill among the students too. They should learn about new technology and improve basic knowledge for tackling the job market.”

A Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Shirin Akhter said Bangladesh is moving forward … and different sectors have also witnessed change.

She continued, “Developed countries prepare strategies regarding the job market, predicting what will happen and what skills are necessary in the next five years. But we do not think about these issues here.

“So, we should also prepare a strategy to educate students in accordance with the market demands to get skilled employees.”

FES Bangladesh Office Programme Co-coordinator Shadhan Kumar Das and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at North South University (NSU) Md Shazzad Hosain also spoke at the programme among others.