Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) is implementing the ‘Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP)’—a workforce transformative project jointly financed by the Government of Bangladesh and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
SICIP, a Result-Based Lending (RBL) program under the Finance Division, Ministry of Finance of the Government of Bangladesh, aims to develop a skilled workforce through advanced technical and competency-based training programs across the country. SICIP seeks to enhance the employability and socio-economic resilience of youth, especially marginalized populations by equipping them with global market-responsive technical skills.
SICIP will have the following key outputs: (i) Training for advanced technical skills in priority and emerging sectors improved, (ii) Managerial capabilities and green innovation capacity strengthened, (iii) Socially inclusive skilling and upskilling expanded, and (iv) Institutional capacity for skills monitoring and management enhanced.
The outcomes will be measured through (i) skilled workers across skill levels—from basic to advanced technical skills—produced for at least 10 priority and emerging industries, with 65% job placement for new job seekers, and (ii) increased participation of women and people from socially disadvantaged groups in employable and/or life skills through specially targeted programs.
Prior to SICIP, a full-fledged program on workforce development was launched by the Finance Division, Ministry of Finance named as Skills for Employment Investment Program (SEIP), which was implemented from 2014 to 2024 under Tranches 1, 2, and 3.
Under the SEIP, PKSF carried out hands-on training activities and achieved remarkable milestones. A total of 38,633 trainees including 8,176 women were provided with hands-on technical skills and knowledge on 16 trades through 57 Partner Training Institutes. More than 75% of these trainees found employment including 384 in overseas jobs and 8,338 became entrepreneurs in addition to wage employment. For more details on SEIP achievements, please visit https://pksf.org.bd/projects/skills-for-employment-investment-program-seip/
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between PKSF and SDCMU
To implement SICIP, a bilateral agreement was signed between PKSF and the Skills Development Coordination and Monitoring Unit (SDCMU) under the Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance on 11 March 2025. It aims to provide skill training on 12 globally high-demand technical trades to 12,000 individuals including 30% women, with priority given to participants from underprivileged backgrounds and Small Ethnic Communities (SEC) across the country.
Read more: https://pksf.org.bd/mou-signed-for-sicip-to-train-12000-youth/
Key SICIP activities implemented by PKSF
Under SICIP, PKSF will empower 12,000 youths across Bangladesh by ensuring jobs, with a particular emphasis on engaging 30% women, especially from disadvantaged and marginalized communities. The training programs will be provided free of cost, fully residential, and inclusive of meals. Over a three-year period (2025–2028), participants will receive training in 12 globally in-demand trades through 360-hour courses designed to meet market needs.
In addition to technical training, PKSF will provide integrated support in the form of capital, technology, and market linkages, thereby facilitating skill acquisition as well as creating viable pathways for gainful employment. A key outcome of SICIP is to ensure that at least 65% of trainees secure employment—whether wage-based or self-employment—within three months of completing the program. The training will be conducted in alignment with the standards set by the Skills Development Coordination and Monitoring Unit (SDCMU) under the Finance Division, ensuring compliance with both national and international benchmarks.
To ensure the seamless implementation of SICIP, a dedicated Project Implementation Unit (PIU) has already been established by PKSF. The PIU is led by a Chief Coordinator and supported by three Coordinators, three Assistant Coordinators, an Administrative and Logistics Officer, an Accounts Officer, and a team of support staff.
Training information at a glance
Sl | Trade Name | Total Batches | Total Trainee Target | Minimum Qualification | General Information |
1 | Bakery & Pastry Production | 48 | 1,200 | Grade-8 passed | Fully Residential Training Training Type: New Entrants Level of Skill: Basic Skill Duration: 3 Months Mode: Practical 80 % and Theory 20% Total Class: 72 Total Hours: 360 hours Total Hours (Per Day): 05 hours (Practical: 04 hours and Theory: 01 hour) Total Practical Session (Hours): 360 X 80% i.e. 288 hours Total Theory Session (Hours): 360 X 20% i.e. 72 hours Batch Size: 25 trainees per batch Women Inclusion: Minimum 30% |
2 | Food & Beverage Production | 48 | 1,200 | Grade-8 passed | |
3 | Graphic Design | 32 | 800 | SSC passed | |
4 | IT Freelancing | 40 | 1,000 | SSC passed | |
5 | Professional Digital Marketing | 20 | 500 | SSC passed | |
6 | Auto Mechanics | 28 | 700 | Grade-8 passed | |
7 | Beautification | 48 | 1,200 | ||
8 | Electrical Installation & Maintenance (Construction) | 48 | 1,200 | ||
9 | Fashion Garments | 64 | 1,600 | ||
10 | Mobile Phone Servicing | 40 | 1,000 | ||
11 | Plumbing and Pipe Fitting | 24 | 600 | ||
12 | Refrigeration & Air Conditioning | 40 | 1,000 |
PKSF partners with Training Institutes
On 28 July 2025, during the formal inauguration of SICIP, PKSF signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with ten distinguished Training Institutes. Under the collaboration, the institutes will deliver market-driven technical training and associated services to marginalized youth from different districts of the country, tailored to specific trades. The institutes are expected to provide not only high-quality vocational education but also comprehensive support services to ensure the employment of the trainees. Initiatives are already underway to expand this network of partner institutes.
Read more: https://pksf.org.bd/pksf-to-provide-free-skill-training-to-12000-low-income-youth/
Partner Training Institutes of PKSF
Sl | Name of the Partner Training Institute | District | Focal Contact Person |
1 | ANANDO-Vocational Training Centre | Khagrachari | Shyamol Augustine Rozario Principal 01711-284198 anando.vtc@gmail.com |
2 | ASHRAI Technical Training Center | Rajshahi | Md. Abdulla-Al-Salafi Senior Deputy Director 01992028480 salafiattc@gmail.com |
3 | CSS Hope Technical Institute | Khulna | Md. Abdul Salam Sharif Principal 01309-136038 principalhpti.cssbd@gmail.com |
4 | Jano Unnayan Technical Training Institute (JUTTI) | Bhola | Engr. Shadhon Kumar Paul Principal 01725663110 juttibhola@gmail.com |
5 | SDS Technical Training Institute (STTI) | Shariatpur | Md. Moslehuddin Principal 01718 683220 moslehuddin.bsl@gmail.com |
6 | Uttaran Shimanto Karigori Proshikkhon Kendro | Satkhira | Md Warasin Kabir Principal 01318246648 uttaransimantot@gmail.com |
7 | WAVE Foundation | Chuadanga | Abdus Salam Principal 01713337567 salam@wavefoundationbd.org |
8 | Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangha (TMSS) | Bogura | Foyzoon Nahar Sector Chief Training & Education Sector, TMSS 01713377091 tdtmss@gmail.com |
9 | Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) | Thakurgaon | Shahariar Mahmud Head of TVET 01912307022 shahariar.mahmud.tvet@gmail.com |
10 | Rural Reconstruction Foundation (RRF) | Jashore | Arun Kumar Biswas Director-MFP 01711425384 arun@rrf-bd.org |
For Official Correspondence
Md Ziauddin Iqbal
Senior General Manager (Program) and Chief Coordinator (CC)
Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP), PKSF
Contact: info.sicip.pksf@gmail.com