A unique initiative in Chattogram has linked vocational training directly to employment for school dropouts. After completing a six-month course under the ‘Special Program—Functional Literacy and Practical Skills Training (Pre-vocational Level)’, 46 young men and women received both certificates and job appointment letters at a ceremony held at the Chattogram Deputy Commissioner’s office. The program was jointly organized by the Chattogram District Administration and the Bureau of Non-Formal Education.

The training, conducted in Hathazari’s Katirhat High School and Parbati Model Government High School, covered tailoring and dressmaking, mobile phone servicing, computer and graphic design, and refrigeration and air conditioning. Of 77 participants, 73 passed the final evaluation. The district administration coordinated with local employers to ensure job placements. Tailoring trainees joined boutiques with starting salaries of 5,000 taka plus allowances, while others were placed as apprentices or technicians in various local firms.

Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam said the goal is to make training synonymous with employment, turning dropout youths into skilled human resources. He emphasized fair treatment and safe workplaces for young workers, highlighting skill development as key to national progress.