BRAC’s Skills Development Programme has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 20 leading retail organisations to launch the Retail Sales Apprenticeship Project, aiming to expand employment opportunities for disadvantaged urban youth across Bangladesh. The MoU signing ceremony was held at BRAC Centre in Dhaka on Thursday, 29 January.
Under the initiative, around 2,000 young people—primarily women from low-income households—will be selected from Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna and Sylhet. Participants will undergo a two-day boot camp on core retail skills, followed by a month-long hands-on apprenticeship at partner retail outlets. BRAC will also support job placement after completion.
Partner organisations, including Apex Footwear Limited, Top Ten Mart and Cats Eye Limited, have committed to promoting inclusive and decent work practices. A 2023 BRAC University study found the programme significantly improves confidence and income outcomes, particularly for women, reinforcing its impact on sustainable employment.