Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Chevron Bangladesh and the Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS), a local NGO, have jointly launched a comprehensive two-year vocational training programme for youths in urban and semi-urban areas of Sylhet Sadar upazila, near Chevron Bangladesh’s Jalalabad gas field.
The programme will also cover the rural areas in Nabiganj Sadar upazila near the Bibiyana gas field, a press statement said on Monday.
The ceremonial launching of the programme took place in Chevron’s Dhaka offices recently, led by Chevron Bangladesh’s President Geoff Strong, along with M Mokhlesur Rahman and M Anisul Islam, Executive Director and Director respectively of CNRS.
Under the programme, mostly unemployed male and female youths in 600 households will be grouped together to receive vocational trainings in 15 categories, including catering, driving, motorcycle mechanics, air-conditioner and refrigerator mechanics, welding and fabrication, plumbing and pipe-fitting. It is anticipated that all those who have successfully completed the trainings will either be placed in jobs or attain self-employment.
The purpose of Chevron’s economic development programmes is to achieve long-term impact in terms of improved incomes and jobs, employability, and livelihoods. Its initiatives in this arena collectively support over 4,000 families in 80 villages across all three gas field locations.
Chevron Bangladesh’s External Affairs Director Naser Ahmed and Community Affairs Manager Obaidullah Al-Ejaz were also present at the function.
BBN/SSR/AD-17Mar14-9:42 pm (BST)