Dhaka Polytechnic Celebrates Five-Year Partnership Success at Stakeholder Dinner

Dhaka, Bangladesh – November 8, 2024 – Dhaka Polytechnic Institute (DPI) hosted a celebratory Stakeholder Dinner on November 7th, 2024, marking five years of a highly successful partnership with Apex Industries Limited, one of Bangladesh’s largest and most reputable ready-made garment (RMG) manufacturers. The event brought together representatives from DPI’s administration, faculty, current students, Apex Industries’ management, Ministry of Education officials, and industry experts to acknowledge the achievements of the collaborative initiative and discuss future directions.

Background: Addressing Skills Gaps in Bangladesh’s RMG Sector

Bangladesh’s RMG sector is a cornerstone of its economy, contributing significantly to export earnings and employment. However, a persistent challenge has been the gap between the skills possessed by the workforce and the evolving demands of the industry. Traditional vocational training programs often lacked the responsiveness and practical focus required to equip graduates with the competencies needed for modern garment manufacturing. Recognizing this issue, the Ministry of Education, through the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), initiated a program to foster closer collaboration between technical and vocational institutes and leading industrial players.

The DPI-Apex Industries Partnership: Origins and Objectives

In late 2019, DPI and Apex Industries formalized a partnership agreement with the explicit aim of bridging the skills gap and enhancing the employability of DPI graduates. The initial objectives included:

• Curriculum Co-Development: Collaboratively revising DPI’s garment technology, pattern making, and sewing machine operation curricula to align with industry best practices and emerging technologies (e.g., CAD/CAM systems).
• Practical Training: Establishing a dedicated practical training facility at DPI equipped with the same machinery and technologies used in Apex Industries’ factories.
• Internship Program: Creating a structured internship program that provides DPI students with hands-on experience at Apex Industries’ facilities.
• Faculty Development: Providing training opportunities for DPI faculty to update their skills and knowledge in line with industry advancements.
• Placement Assistance: Prioritizing DPI graduates for employment opportunities at Apex Industries, based on performance and skill set.

Key Achievements Over Five Years (2019-2024)

The partnership has demonstrably yielded significant positive outcomes. According to data presented at the Stakeholder Dinner, the employment rate of DPI graduates who participated in the program has increased by 35% over the past five years. Specifically, 78% of graduates from the relevant DPI departments are now employed within six months of graduation, a significant improvement from the 43% recorded in 2019. Furthermore, Apex Industries has hired over 250 DPI graduates during this period, providing them with stable employment and career advancement opportunities.

The revised curriculum, developed jointly by DPI and Apex Industries, has been lauded by industry experts for its practical relevance and focus on industry-demanded skills. The practical training facility, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, has provided students with invaluable hands-on experience. The internship program has allowed students to apply their classroom learning in a real-world setting and develop essential workplace skills.

Challenges Faced and Mitigation Strategies

The partnership wasn’t without its challenges. Initial hurdles included logistical difficulties in coordinating training schedules, ensuring consistent quality of training across different departments, and addressing the varying skill levels of students. DPI and Apex Industries addressed these challenges through:

• Joint Steering Committee: Establishing a joint steering committee comprising representatives from both institutions to oversee the implementation of the program and address any emerging issues.
• Regular Monitoring and Evaluation: Conducting regular monitoring and evaluation of the program’s effectiveness and making necessary adjustments based on the findings.
• Mentorship Program: Implementing a mentorship program pairing experienced Apex Industries employees with DPI students to provide guidance and support.

Future Plans and Expansion Opportunities

Looking ahead, DPI and Apex Industries plan to expand the scope of their partnership to include:

• Advanced Skill Development: Introducing training programs in advanced garment manufacturing technologies, such as digital printing and automation.
• Sustainability Focus: Incorporating sustainability principles and practices into the curriculum to address the growing demand for eco-friendly apparel.
• Entrepreneurship Training: Providing entrepreneurship training to empower DPI graduates to start their own garment businesses.
• Replication in Other Institutions: Sharing the successful model with other technical and vocational institutes in Bangladesh to promote wider adoption of industry-led training programs.

Impact and Contribution to Bangladesh’s Economic Growth

The DPI-Apex Industries partnership serves as a prime example of how effective collaboration between educational institutions and industry can contribute to Bangladesh’s economic growth and development. By bridging the skills gap and ensuring a steady supply of qualified workers, the partnership is helping the RMG sector maintain its competitiveness and attract foreign investment. It also demonstrates the importance of investing in technical and vocational education to prepare the workforce for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The program directly supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).