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Skills Over Degrees

The document emphasizes the importance of skills over degrees in rebuilding Bangladesh's economy, advocating for a shift towards skills-based hiring to address unemployment and skills gaps. It outlines strategies such as implementing skills assessments, offering on-the-job training, and promoting alternative pathways to enhance workforce development. By prioritizing practical skills and continuous learning, Bangladesh can create a competitive labor force capable of thriving in a rapidly evolving job market.

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Md. Abdullah Al Mahmud
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8 views

Skills Over Degrees

The document emphasizes the importance of skills over degrees in rebuilding Bangladesh's economy, advocating for a shift towards skills-based hiring to address unemployment and skills gaps. It outlines strategies such as implementing skills assessments, offering on-the-job training, and promoting alternative pathways to enhance workforce development. By prioritizing practical skills and continuous learning, Bangladesh can create a competitive labor force capable of thriving in a rapidly evolving job market.

Uploaded by

Md. Abdullah Al Mahmud
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Skills Over Degrees: The Key to Rebuilding Bangladesh

Bangladesh, like many developing nations, faces the critical challenge of building a robust
economy and ensuring a prosperous future for its citizens. While traditional education and
degrees have their place, a growing global trend emphasizes the importance of skills, particularly
in a rapidly evolving job market. This shift from degree-based to skills-based hiring is not just a
trend but a necessity, especially for a nation like Bangladesh, aiming for sustainable
development and economic growth. Here’s why focusing on skills is crucial for rebuilding
Bangladesh:

1. Practical Application & Immediate Impact:

Skills gained through hands-on experience empower individuals to directly address real-world
challenges, fostering immediate productivity and efficiency. Unlike traditional degree programs,
which often provide a broad theoretical understanding that may not align with job market
demands, skill-based training equips individuals with the precise capabilities needed to excel in
their roles from the outset. This practical focus not only enhances individual performance but
also accelerates their ability to contribute meaningfully to the economy. For Bangladesh,
cultivating a workforce that can "hit the ground running" eliminates the need for prolonged
training periods, effectively bridging critical skills gaps and driving economic growth with
immediate impact.

2. Adaptability and Innovation:

In today’s fast-paced world, characterized by rapid technological advancements and ever-


evolving job roles, skills-based training plays a pivotal role in fostering adaptability. It equips
individuals with the ability to quickly pivot in response to emerging challenges and
opportunities, ensuring they remain relevant in dynamic work environments. Moreover, practical
skills promote innovative thinking, empowering people to devise creative solutions to complex
problems. This adaptability and innovation are especially critical for Bangladesh as it navigates
the Fourth Industrial Revolution, striving to maintain a competitive edge in the global market.
Unlike traditional educational curriculums, which can quickly become outdated, skills-based
training evolves alongside new technologies and methodologies, offering a flexible and future-
ready approach to workforce development. This agility ensures that the country’s human capital
remains resilient and prepared for the demands of a rapidly transforming world.

3. Real-World Experience:

Employers worldwide, including those in Bangladesh, are placing growing importance on real-
world experience gained through practical skills development. This shift underscores the value of
hands-on learning, such as internships, apprenticeships, and project-based experiences, which
prepare individuals to tackle real-life challenges and adapt seamlessly to diverse work
environments. Unlike traditional qualifications, which often emphasize theoretical knowledge,
skills-focused approaches ensure that individuals are job-ready, capable of meeting workplace
demands with confidence and efficiency. By prioritizing this practical dimension of workforce
development, Bangladesh can unlock its workforce’s full potential, transforming its population
into a competitive, performance-driven asset. This focus on capability rather than just
qualifications positions the nation to excel in an increasingly experience-oriented global job
market.

4. Addressing Unemployment and Skills Gaps:

Bangladesh faces a significant challenge with rising unemployment and a persistent mismatch
between the skills of its workforce and the demands of the job market. The shift to skills-based
training presents a transformative solution by equipping individuals with the specific
competencies that employers require. This approach not only addresses the skills gap but also
fosters inclusivity by creating opportunities for those who may not have had access to higher
education. By focusing on practical and market-relevant skills, Bangladesh can build a diverse
workforce that includes individuals who are "Skilled Through Alternative Routes" (STARs), such
as vocational training, on-the-job learning, or self-directed education. Harnessing the potential of
this wider talent pool not only alleviates unemployment but also enhances the country’s
economic resilience, ensuring that every capable individual has a pathway to contribute
meaningfully to national growth and prosperity.

5. Economic Growth and Global Competitiveness:

Prioritizing skills in workforce development positions Bangladesh to create a highly competitive


labor force that directly contributes to the nation’s economic growth. Skills-based hiring shifts
the focus from traditional credentials to demonstrated abilities, fostering a more inclusive and
merit-based employment landscape. This approach not only bridges existing skills gaps but also
enhances social mobility by creating "bridging social capital" and weak ties—connections that
open doors to new opportunities for workers across diverse industries. Additionally, a skilled
workforce is a significant draw for international companies looking for talent capable of thriving
in a globalized market. By aligning workforce competencies with global standards, Bangladesh
can attract foreign investment, bolster its reputation as a hub for skilled professionals, and ensure
long-term economic sustainability. This transition represents a win-win scenario: companies
benefit from a robust talent pool, while workers gain access to better career prospects and social
connections.

6. Promoting Continuous Learning:

A skills-focused approach fosters a dynamic culture of continuous learning, where individuals


are motivated to regularly update and expand their skill sets to remain competitive in an ever-
changing job market. This emphasis on lifelong learning ensures that workers stay relevant and
adaptable as industries evolve, driven by rapid technological advancements and shifting
economic demands. By cultivating this mindset, Bangladesh can develop a workforce that is not
only knowledgeable but also resilient and capable of embracing innovation. Continuous learning
equips individuals with the ability to anticipate and respond to emerging trends, positioning them
to excel in jobs that may not yet exist. In a global economy increasingly defined by automation
and digital transformation, this adaptability is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and
ensuring sustainable economic growth. Through a commitment to ongoing skills development,
both individuals and industries in Bangladesh can thrive amid constant change.
Strategies for Skills-Based Development in Bangladesh:

Enhancing skills-based development in Bangladesh is crucial for economic growth and


improving employment opportunities. The following strategies can significantly contribute to
this objective:

A. Implement Skills Assessments


Employers can integrate skills assessments into their hiring processes to prioritize
practical abilities over formal degrees. This approach ensures that candidates possess the
necessary competencies for specific roles, leading to a more efficient and capable
workforce. By focusing on actual skills, companies can identify individuals who can
immediately contribute to organizational goals. This method also encourages job seekers
to develop relevant skills, aligning the labor market with industry demands.
B. Offer On-the-Job Training
Providing comprehensive on-the-job training programs helps new hires acclimate and
succeed in their roles. Such training enhances employee performance, boosts morale, and
increases retention rates.
C. Reevaluate Job Descriptions
Employers should reassess job descriptions to emphasize specific skills required for roles
rather than focusing solely on educational qualifications. This shift encourages a more
diverse pool of applicants and ensures that hiring criteria are aligned with actual job
requirements. By clearly outlining the necessary skills, employers can attract candidates
who are better suited to perform effectively in their positions.
D. Build Partnerships
Establishing partnerships between educational institutions and industries can bridge the
gap between academic learning and practical application. Collaborative programs that
integrate classroom education with hands-on experience equip students with the skills
employers seek.
E. Promote Alternative Pathways
Encouraging alternative pathways to skill acquisition, such as apprenticeships, vocational
training, and online courses, provides flexible options for individuals to develop
competencies. These avenues cater to diverse learning preferences and can be more
accessible than traditional education.
F. E-learning:
E-learning in Bangladesh has significantly enhanced educational accessibility,
particularly for students in remote and underserved regions. By leveraging digital
platforms, learners can access quality educational resources without the constraints of
geographical location, thereby promoting inclusivity and bridging educational disparities.
This digital approach has been instrumental in ensuring continuity of education during
disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to play a pivotal role in the
country's educational development. In Bangladesh, Thriving Skills plays a pivotal role
during COVID-19 pandemic in stimulating corporate e-learning.

The expansion of e-learning platforms has also facilitated personalized learning


experiences, allowing students to progress at their own pace and according to their
individual learning needs. This flexibility has been particularly beneficial in
accommodating diverse learning styles and schedules, thereby enhancing overall
educational outcomes.

Moreover, e-learning initiatives have contributed to the development of digital literacy


skills among students and educators alike. By engaging with online educational tools,
individuals are better prepared to navigate the increasingly digital landscape of the
modern world, which is essential for both academic and professional success. However,
challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to e-learning opportunities across all
demographics in Bangladesh. Addressing issues such as internet connectivity, availability
of digital devices, and the need for training in digital competencies is crucial to fully
realize the potential of e-learning in the country. E-learning has emerged as a
transformative force in Bangladesh's education sector, offering unprecedented
opportunities for accessibility, personalization, and skill development. Continued
investment in digital infrastructure and inclusive policies will be key to sustaining and
expanding these benefits for all learners across the nation.

Implementing these strategies can create a more dynamic and skilled workforce in Bangladesh,
driving economic development and enhancing employment prospects for its citizens.

While degrees are important in certain professions such as teaching, medicine and law, skills-
based hiring and employee development will help build a stronger economy and empower a
diverse workforce in Bangladesh. By embracing skills, Bangladesh can build a stronger and
more competitive workforce ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future. The
focus should be on "mastering what matters," rather than "chasing degrees". This approach is
essential for ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for Bangladesh.

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