In today’s world, there is no shortage of job opportunities for skilled people. However, Bangladesh is currently facing a significant shortage of trained and skilled individuals. Many young people in our country are eager to migrate abroad, willing to spend up to 10 lakh taka just to seek a better life. Some even resort to spending 15-20 lakh taka to secure a government job, knowing full well that the salary they will receive may not be enough to meet their basic needs.
The Paradox of Skill Development
Despite the growing demand for skilled workers, there is a noticeable reluctance among many young people to invest in developing practical skills. If asked to spend just 40-50 thousand taka or even 10-20 thousand taka on acquiring relevant skills, many would hesitate, citing a lack of money.
For example, if someone knows how to work on air conditioners (AC) or electrical systems, they can earn up to 80-90 thousand taka per month in Dhaka, and even in rural areas, they can easily make 40-50 thousand taka per month. However, many companies in Bangladesh are not willing to pay even 10 thousand taka to university students, indicating a gap between the skills universities produce and the needs of the job market. Despite this, the majority still aspire to study in universities. At present, over 3.2 million children are enrolled in the National University, supported by government funds, with many more studying at other universities. Unfortunately, many of these graduates struggle to find careers directly related to their field of study.
Global Demand for Skilled Workers
Meanwhile, developed countries, including Japan, are actively seeking skilled individuals. They welcome skilled workers with open arms, offering high-paying opportunities. For instance, if you have some knowledge of the Japanese language and technical training, you can earn more than 2,000 dollars per month in Japan, which is approximately 2.5 lakh taka in Bangladeshi currency. This is a testament to the global demand for skilled labor.
The Importance of Training and Self-Improvement
Recently, I had a conversation with someone who had been unemployed for two years. When I suggested he undergo training to improve his skills, he questioned how he could afford to spend that much time learning. Yet, he had been without work for two years. Does anyone truly remain unemployed after gaining skills through training? The answer is no.
In the past three years, I have seen many young people complete mental health training and establish successful careers. These individuals understood the value of investing in their development and used their new skills to create opportunities for themselves.
Invest in Yourself
The key to success lies in skill development. In today’s global market, there will be no shortage of work for qualified and skilled individuals. The time spent acquiring knowledge and practical skills will pay off in the long run, opening doors to better opportunities both locally and internationally.
So, do not waste time. Develop yourself, acquire new skills, and prepare to compete in the global job market. The future is full of opportunities for those who are ready to seize them.
Jianur Kabir
Psychologist