There is little evidence of formal or informal apprenticeships, or any close or effective links between employers and the training system. Employers are invited to sit on examination and curriculum boards, but in reality this rarely happens. As part of vocational training, students undertake an eight-week work placement, but other forms of training seem less structured.

Currently, many people in Bangladesh who complete basic literacy (or primary education) courses do not have the opportunity to enhance their vocational skills to improve their social or economic situation. Many workers also have little access to job training or vocational education.

The incidence of formal training in the workplace is low and some parties complain that the Technical Vocational Education and Training system has little relevance to the labour market and industry needs.

Occupational Standards

Grading is according to the National Skill Standard (NSS) classifications, which include Basic, NSS II and Master. It is worth noting, however, that these are not based on employer input or in-depth skills assessments.