An orientation on ‘Skills Training Program-A Sustainable Approach’ was organized by SkillFUL project on June 18, 2012 at BRAC Learning Center, Rangpur. The purpose of the orientation was to build the capacity of Training Service Providers (TSPs) on proposal writing with an aim to ensure sustainable growth and to increase the number of skilled and qualified workforce in the labour market. 23 Directors and representatives from 15 Training Service Provider (TSPs) working in Kurigram, Nilphamari and Bogra district were present in the  orientation.

The program started with a brief presentation by Mr. Mohammad Nuruzzaman (Senior Manager- Training Operations, Swisscontact - SkillFUL) on skills development, its demand and importance. In the following session, Skills and  National Skills Development Policy (NSDP) of Bangladesh was briefly presented by Muhammad Mominul Islam, Project Officer - SkillFUL. A quick overview of SkillFUL project was presented, focusing on the overall objectives, expected results and its approach towards sustainability.

In the main technical session, Ms. Foyzoon Nahar, Consultant discussed how to develop project proposal keeping sustainable business approach in context and how to use required templates. The participants through group work prepared project budgets and business plan. During the session training package, course duration, enrolment and employment, inclusion of women and People with Disabilities (PWDs) in training, flexibility in selection of trades and working districts, budget, submission time of proposal and sustainability of TSPs were discussed.

In the opinion sharing session, the Chief Coordinator of Pollee Unnyon Prokolpo (PUP), Bogra appreciated SkillFUL for bringing such a project to Bangladesh, which could contribute to increase productivity of labour force and reduce poverty.