Staff Reporter: Hop Lun Apparel Limited has joined hands with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to facilitate industry-focused skills training for aspiring professionals in Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) sector.

As part of the initiative, Hop Lun is providing training support at its Unit-2 facility through eight of its employees, who serve as trainers after being evaluated and approved by BGMEA. The training covers four courses: Sewing Machine Operation, Industrial Engineering and Lean Manufacturing, Advanced Garments Quality Control Management, and Social Compliance and Environmental Management.

A total of 208 trainees have completed the training so far, with around 118 already securing employment. Of them, 90 are now employed at Hop Lun, while the others are working at various garment factories.

Hop Lun also arranges job fairs and career counselling to help participants transition into the workforce. Successful trainees receive certificates and training allowances from BGMEA, while trainers are also awarded certificates.

The training is being conducted under the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP), a Ministry of Finance initiative funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Through partnerships with industry, the program aims to develop a technology-ready workforce and strengthen competitiveness and innovation across Bangladesh's priority sectors.

The initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting decent work, industry innovation and inclusive economic growth.

Mohammad Ashiqur Rahman, General Manager of Hop Lun Apparel Limited (unit-2) said, "Building a skilled workforce is essential for the long-term growth of Bangladesh's apparel industry. Through our partnership with BGMEA under SICIP, we are pleased to contribute our expertise and workplace experience to help prepare job-ready talent for the sector."says press release

Md. Ashfaqur Rahman (Razib), Coordinator, SICIP BGMEA PIU said, "Industry participation is central to the success of SICIP. Collaboration with manufacturers such as Hop Lun enables trainees to gain practical, workplace-based skills that improve their employability while supporting the industry's future workforce."