THE ROLE OF SKILLS DEVELOPMENT TRAINING ON EMPLOYABILITY: A STUDY OF THE SKILLS FOR EMPLOYMENT INVESTMENT PROGRAM (SEIP) PROJECT IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

The current skills supply systems hardly address employability in Bangladesh because of the mismatch between skills supply and skills demand. The skilled workforce produced here is not focused and aligned with industry demand. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of skills development training in facilitating gainful employment. Specifically, it examines the outcomes of the Skills for Employment Investment Program (SEIP) Project initiated by the Finance Ministry of Bangladesh. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study analyzes the impact of skills development training on employability. Findings indicate that such training significantly contributes to employment generation, enhances employer satisfaction, boosts confidence, promotes decent work, and fosters economic growth, all crucial components of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG-8). Recommendations are provided to strengthen demand-driven skills development training, aiming to mitigate skills mismatches and promote sustainable employability.