AEBA proposes European skill centres to boost Bangladeshis’ access to EU jobs

The All Europe Bangladesh Association (AEBA) has proposed a government-backed project to establish European-standard skill development centres in Bangladesh to prepare workers for growing labour demand across Europe.
Under the proposal, 12 pilot European Skill Development Centres would initially be established in major strategic cities, with the programme eventually expanded to all 64 districts if the pilot phase proves successful, according to a press release signed by AEBA Secretary Kazi Enayet Ullah.
The association said the initiative aims to help Bangladesh capitalise on Europe’s growing demand for skilled workers while promoting safe and regular migration and reducing dependence on irregular routes. The proposal comes amid changing European migration policies and rising demand for workers in sectors including construction, healthcare, hospitality, transport, agriculture, food processing, information technology and green energy.
According to AEBA, European countries need skilled workers such as electricians, plumbers, welders, HVAC technicians, caregivers, nurses’ assistants, chefs, waiters, heavy-vehicle drivers, warehouse operators, agricultural workers, food-processing workers, solar-panel technicians and wind-turbine maintenance workers.
The association said workers from countries including India, China, Vietnam and several African nations are currently better positioned to meet some of this demand, while Bangladesh has been unable to fully capitalise on the opportunity because of inadequate training facilities and a lack of policies for producing workers with internationally recognised skills.

Under the proposed project, the centres would be equipped with modern European technology and laboratories, while European instructors would provide training. Bangladeshi instructors would also be trained under a ‘Train the Trainer’ programme to help maintain international standards locally.
Language training would be mandatory, with trainees expected to attain specified levels in English, French, Spanish, German or Italian, depending on their destination and occupation.
AEBA has also proposed that training follow European Union-approved technical curricula so certificates obtained by Bangladeshi workers can gain wider recognition in European labour markets.
The association envisages a multi-stakeholder model involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs; Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment; and Home Affairs, as well as the Bangladesh Technical Education Board and relevant training institutions. It has proposed overall oversight by the Prime Minister’s Office.
AEBA has proposed government-to-government negotiations with European countries on bilateral labour agreements, visa arrangements and measures to streamline administrative procedures for selected workers.
The proposed financing model includes contributions from the Bangladesh government, EU skill and migration funds, and European commercial and humanitarian organisations. AEBA has also suggested tax incentives for Bangladeshi businesses financing the initiative.
The association said the process should operate through a digital tracking system to ensure transparency, while measures should be taken to reduce migration costs and curb the role of intermediaries.
AEBA said the initiative could help reduce irregular migration, including dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean, while increasing remittance earnings by creating opportunities for workers to secure better-paid skilled jobs.
The association said it is ready to engage with the government and other stakeholders to discuss and develop the proposed project.

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