In alignment with Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030 to generate decent employment opportunities by strengthening individuals’ capacities, SICIP-PKSF under two partnership contracts with the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP) of the Finance Division, Government of Bangladesh (GoB) is implementing a comprehensive skills development initiative across Bangladesh.
Under the 1st Business Plan, the program will empower 12,000 youths from disadvantaged and marginalized communities. Besides, under the 2nd Business Plan, 7,800 youths from persons with disabilities (PWD), third Gender, and ethnic communities will be supported. A total of 19,800 youths will receive hands-on practical and skills development training, followed by facilitated job placement or alternative income-generating opportunities.
The program’s implementation tenure is from 2025 to 2028 and is fully residential and free of cost, ensuring that trainees can devote themselves entirely to acquiring job-market relevant skills in an enabling learning environment.
SICIP-PKSF Progress (up to 15 February 2026)
*Job placement and Female Enrollment data vary depending upon the continuous enrollment and certification of the successful trainees. Also, % achievement is a continuous process and shall be finalized once the total trainee target is completed. Job Placement % is calculated on the basis of jobs/economic opportunities received by the competent/certified trainees.
**Assessment % is based on total enrollments, Certification % is based on only found competent during assessments.
Project Background
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 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. For more details on the SEIP achievements, please visit https://pksf.org.bd/projects/skills-for-employment-investment-program-seip/
Glimpses of SEIP-PKSF activities:
List of training courses offered under SICIP-PKSF
SICIP-PKSF is committed to equipping the youth of Bangladesh with market-driven Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) skills that are income-oriented and globally in demand. By providing training in high-demand trades, the program aims to enable trainees to secure sustainable livelihoods both domestically and internationally. The list of training courses, the targeted number of trainees by course, and the minimum entry qualifications are provided below.
Sl No. | Training Courses | Trainee Target | Minimum Qualification | |
1st Business Plan | 2nd Business Plan | |||
1 | Bakery & Pastry Production | 1,200 | 800 | Grade-8 passed |
2 | Food & Beverage Production | 1,200 | 800 | Grade-8 passed |
3 | Graphic Design | 800 | – | SSC passed |
4 | IT Freelancing | 1,000 | – | SSC passed |
5 | Professional Digital Marketing | 500 | 400 | SSC passed |
6 | Auto Mechanics | 700 | – | Grade-8 passed |
7 | Beautification | 1,200 | 1,300 | |
8 | Electrical Installation & Maintenance (Construction) | 1,200 | 800 | |
9 | Fashion Garments | 1,600 | 1,300 | |
10 | Mobile Phone Servicing | 1,000 | 1,100 | |
11 | Plumbing and Pipe Fitting | 600 | 800 | |
12 | Refrigeration & Air Conditioning | 1,000 | 800 | |
13 | House Keeping | 400 | ||
Total Trainee Target | 12,000 | 8,500 | ||
Geographical coverage and training courses offered under SICIP-PKSF
Under the 1st Business Plan, 24 training institutes are implementing skill development training for 12,000 trainees belonging to disadvantaged and marginalized communities across Bangladesh. They are:
Divisions | Partner Training Institutes and Contact Persons | Training Courses Offered |
Barishal
| Jano Unnayan Technical Training Institute (JUTTI), Bhola Contact: Engr. Shadhon Kumar Paul, Centre In-charge, Cell: 01725663110, juttibhola@gmail.com | · Beautification · Electrical Installation & Maintenance (Construction) · Graphic Design · Mobile Phone Servicing |
DWF National Skills Development Institute, Barishal Contact: Mozahidul Islam, Centre In-charge, Cell: 01713-964034, dwfnsdibarishal@gmail.com | · Bakery and Pastry Production · Food & Beverage Production · Beautification · Auto Mechanics | |
Chattogram | ANANDO-Vocational Training Centre, Khagrachari Contact: Shyamol Augustine Rozario Centre In-charge, Cell: 01711-284198 | · Electrical Installation & Maintenance (Construction) · Fashion Garments · Mobile Phone Servicing |
Dhaka | RISDA Institute of Technology (RIT), Savar Contact: Md. Younus Ali Mashud Centre In-charge, Cell: 01777765364 | · Graphic Design · Refrigeration & Air Conditioning |
Scholar Polytechnic Institute (SPI), Narsingdi Contact: Mahbuba Rahman, Centre In-charge, Cell: 01999938299 | · Bakery & Pastry Production · Beautification · Fashion Garments · Food & Beverage Production | |
SDS Technical Training Institute (STTI), Shariatpur Contact: Md. Moslehuddin, Centre In-charge, Cell: 01718 683220 moslehuddin.bsl@gmail.com | · Electrical Installation & Maintenance (Construction) · Fashion Garments · Mobile Phone Servicing · Plumbing and Pipe Fitting | |
SN Technical Training Institute (SNTTI), Faridpur Contact: Mohammad Shalahuddin Howladar, Centre In-charge, Cell: 01717694167, sntti74@gmail.com | · Electrical Installation & Maintenance (Construction) · Food & Beverage Production · Professional Digital Marketing | |
BASA Foundation, Tangail Contact: Md.Sayedul Islam, Centre In-charge, Cell: 01718-370251, islambasa@gmail.com | · Beautification · Auto Mechanics · Fashion garments | |
Khulna | WAVE Foundation, Chuadanga Contact: Abdus Salam Centre In-charge, Cell: 01713337567 | · Electrical Installation & Maintenance (Construction) · Fashion Garments · Graphic Design · Mobile Phone Servicing |
Uttaran Shimanto Karigori Proshikkhon Kendro, Satkhira Contact: Md Warasin Kabir Centre In-charge, Cell: 01318246648 | · Fashion Garments · Mobile Phone Servicing · Auto Mechanics | |
Rural Reconstruction Foundation (RRF), Jashore Contact: Khaleda Nargis, Centre In-charge, Cell: 01721901433 | · Bakery & Pastry Production · Food & Beverage Production · IT Freelancing · Auto Mechanics | |
CSS Hope Technical Institute (CSSHTI), Khulna Contact: Md. Abdul Salam Sharif Centre In-charge, Cell: 01309-136038 | · Electrical Installation & Maintenance (Construction) · Plumbing & Pipe Fitting · Refrigeration & Air Conditioning | |
Rajshahi | ASHRAI Technical Training Center (ATTC), Rajshahi Contact: Md. Abdulla-Al-Salafi Centre In-charge, Cell: 01992028480 | · Electrical Installation & Maintenance (Construction) · Mobile Phone Servicing · Professional Digital Marketing |
BEDO, Naogaon Contact: Md. Sumon Rana Centre In-charge, Cell: 01729-661700 | · Mobile Phone Servicing · Professional Digital Marketing · Refrigeration & Air Conditioning | |
Rumiya Professional Training Institute (RPTI), Naogaon Contact: Antara Fahmida Centre In-charge, Cell: 01311-992379 | · Beautification · Mobile Phone Servicing · Professional Digital Marketing | |
Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangha (TMSS), Bogura Contact: Suraya Ruhi, Centre In-charge, Cell: 01719-534400 | · Electrical Installation & Maintenance (Construction) · Graphic Design · Plumbing & Pipe Fitting · Refrigeration & Air Conditioning | |
Rangpur | Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), Thakurgaon Contact: Md. Golam Rahman Al Amin, Centre In-charge, Cell: 01717546109 | · Beautification · Electrical Installation & Maintenance (Construction) · Graphic Design · Plumbing & Pipe Fitting · Professional Digital Marketing |
Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), Lalmonirhat Contact: Md.Rafiqul Islam, Centre In-charge, Cell: 01734267475 | · Auto Mechanics · Electrical Installation & Maintenance (Construction) · Plumbing and Pipe Fitting | |
Gana Unnayan Kendra (GUK), Gaibandha Contact: Md. Ashraful Islam, Centre In-charge, Cell: 01713484639 | · Bakery & Pastry Production · Fashion Garments · Mobile Phone Servicing | |
Image Vocational Training Institute (IVTI), Rangpur Contact: Md. Homayoune Kabir, Centre In-charge, Cell: 01704196122 | · Fashion Garments · Graphic Design · Mobile Phone Servicing | |
Juthi Technical Training Center (JTTC), Nilphamari Contact: Kamrul Hassan, Centre In-charge, Cell: 01717-361424 | · Beautification · Electrical Installation & Maintenance (Construction) · Refrigeration & Air Conditioning | |
Pushpo Technical Training Center (PTTI), Dinajpur Contact: Md. Shahin Mia, Centre In-charge, Cell 01844-910551 | · Beautification · Bakery and Pastry Production · Food and Beverage Production | |
Voluntary Rural Development Society (VRDS), Kurigram Contact: Md. Khorshed Alam, Centre In-charge, Cell: 01711-516035 | · Beautification · Fashion Garments · IT Freelancing | |
Sylhet | Anwara Muzahid Professional Institute (AMPI), Sunamganj Contact: Hamim Hasan, Centre In-charge, Cell: 01612156555 | · Beautification · Fashion Garments · IT Freelancing |
The engagement of training institutes (TIs) under the 2nd Business Plan of SICIP-PKSF to implement special training programs for 8,500 trainees having from persons with disabilities (PWD), third gender and ethnic communities is underway and they are expected to be onboarded by June 2026.
Key Events
Partnership contract signed between PKSF and SDCMU
To implement SICIP, a partnership contract (referred to as the 1st Business Plan) was signed between Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and the Skills Development Coordination and Monitoring Unit (SDCMU) under the Finance Division of Ministry of Finance on 11 March 2025. The project aims to provide skill training on 12 globally high-in- 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/
Besides, the 2nd partnership contract (referred to as the 2nd Business Plan) was signed between PKSF and the SDCMU on 18 January 2026 to implement special training programs for persons with disabilities (PWD), third gender and ethnic communities. Under the program, SICIP-PKSF will train 8,500 individuals (30% women), with skill development training on 10 technical trades high in demand at home and abroad. After successful completion of the training, suitable employment arrangements will be made for them so that they can play an important role in the country’s economy. In addition, those aspiring to be entrepreneurs will be provided with financing facilities through the relevant Partner Organizations of PKSF. Simultaneously SICIP-PKSF will be implementing the business plans related to training programs for 20,500 trainees during the period of 2025-2028.
Workshops on ‘Financial and Accounting Management Guidelines’ and ‘Training Management Software (TMS)’
Two separate workshops on ‘Financial and Accounting Management Guidelines’ and ‘Training Management Software (TMS)’ were held on 20 and 21 October 2025 under the SICIP-PKSF project. The workshops were inaugurated by Md Mashiar Rahman, Deputy Managing Director, PKSF, while the welcome address was delivered by Md Ziauddin Iqbal, Senior General Manager, PKSF and Chief Coordinator, SICIP-PKSF. Mohammad Abdul Moean Opu, IT Support Executive, SICIP was present as the facilitator of the TMS workshop. PIU staff of SICIP-PKSF facilitated the workshop on ‘Financial and Accounting Management Guidelines’. Participants noted that the hands-on workshops would strengthen their administrative, financial management and TMS skills and support the successful implementation of the SICIP-PKSF project.
PKSF partners with training institutes
On 28 July 2025, during the formal inauguration of the SICIP- PKSF project, PKSF signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with 10 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. 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. Further, Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with additional 10 Training Institutes were signed on September 2025. The 20 training institutes are now imparting training along with other employment activities under the 1st Business Plan (disadvantaged and marginalized communities).
Additionally, for implementing the 2nd Business Plan (PWDs, third gender and ethnic communities) the process of partnering with potential training institutes is ongoing. The Training Institutes (TIs) shall be on board by March 2026 in full operational state to undergo the training for 8,500 trainees across Bangladesh.
Employers’ meeting and job counselling sessions under SICIP-PKSF
The SICIP-PKSF project for TVET skill development training and facilitating job/economic opportunities is spread across the country enabling the youth at the most rural level. Considering the socio-economic and cultural perspectives of the rural areas, SICIP-PKSF initiated to bring national and local-level employers, factory representatives and entrepreneurs under one roof alongside the trainees in order to facilitate building a rapport between the parties, as well as meeting the service-demand with the skill-supply.
In this regard, under the job placement activities, small-scale Employers’ meeting and job counselling sessions were designed for each batch of 25 trainees. Till December 2025 a total of 50 such sessions were organized and around 200 national and local employers participated in those events. The employers shared their professional experiences and motivated the trainees to enter the sector with confidence and enthusiasm. Additionally, they expressed their willingness to support the job placement of the trainees at their businesses, provided that the trainees meet the employers’ specified requirements. Besides, they encouraged the trainees for entrepreneurial initiatives. Through these batch-wise job placement activities, a decent rapport was established among potential employers, trainees, training institutes, and SICIP-PKSF as well.
For Official Correspondence:
Md Ziauddin Iqbal
Senior General Manager, PKSF and
Chief Coordinator (CC), SICIP-PKSF
Contact: info.sicip.pksf@gmail.com