BAPA expands industry-based skills training

The Bangladesh Agro-Processors’ Association (BAPA) has trained 46,056 people in agriculture and food processing across the country, helping equip workers with practical skills for jobs in the agro-processing sector.
The trainees completed 1,919 batches under the Enterprise-Based Training (EBT) component of the Accelerating and Strengthening Skills for Economic Transformation (ASSET) project by August 2026, achieving 100% of the batch-wise target, according to a press release.
The training combines classroom lessons with hands-on experience in food processing, machinery operation, packaging, quality control, bakery production, food preservation and sales.
Major companies including PRAN, Akij, Hashem Foods, TK Group, Meghna, Banoful, Kishwan and Phulkoli are providing training at their facilities in different parts of the country.
Women account for 56.66% of the trainees, with 26,096 women and 19,960 men completing training. The programme also included 56 persons with disabilities and 558 members of ethnic minority communities.
Skills assessment has also shown strong results. Of 30,860 trainees assessed under the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA), 28,865, or 93.54%, were found competent.
So far, 20,805 trainees have been recorded in jobs or self-employment. More than 7,000 secured jobs at PRAN, while others joined companies including TK Group, Banoful, Kishwan, Akij, Meghna and Hashem Foods.
BAPA plans to expand advanced food-processing and related skills training based on labour-market demand and industry needs.
BAPA President Mahbub Anam said the focus is now on turning skills into jobs, self-employment and higher incomes by strengthening links between industries and training institutes.