Bangladesh Apparel Skills Foundation

Lead Partner: Tesco Stores Ltd.
Project Location: Bangladesh (Dhaka)

Project Description

F&F, Tesco Clothing, is seeking to raise the level of the Bangladesh ready-made garment (RMG) sector and improve conditions for workers in Bangladeshi factories by building leadership skills and production capability through a vocational skills training centre.

The training centre, the Bangladesh Apparel Skills Foundation, aims to create a ‘win-win-win’ scenario for ready-made garment factories, for their workforce and for their customers.

Open to all Bangladesh RMG factories, the Skills Foundation will support mid-to-lower-level factory management through a series of specialised, vocational modules to improve productivity, efficiency and organisational behaviour.  This will lead to more constructive worker relations, improved working hours and wages, higher productivity and improved quality.  In turn, this will provide a sustainable platform to help support the long-term competitiveness of Bangladesh as a sourcing destination.  Courses will also be offered in literacy, numeracy and fire safety.

How are RAGS funds used?

The project will equip premises for the Skills Foundation, develop the curriculum, establish governance structures, and recruit and train local staff or contractors to run and manage the Skills Foundation going forward.  Factory management teams will attend relevant modules on a day-release basis, with additional top-up tutorial sessions available from Skills Foundation staff.  Once established, it will operate as a locally-owned, self-funding enterprise generating revenue through local-level course fees.

Expected benefits from the project are described below:

1. An increase in the productivity and efficiency of Bangladesh RMG factories that make use of the Skills Foundation.
2. Factories making use of the Skills Foundation will be required to share cost savings with the workforce in the form of reduced overtime and increased basic wages.
3. Improved production and technical skills of students attending the Skills Foundation will raise the general level of expertise of Bangladeshi factory management as they implement international best practice standards.  In turn, this will contribute to ensuring the sustainability of the Bangladesh RMG sector.
4. Improved people management and leadership skills will lead to a more empowered, professional workforce, and will give those attending courses decision-making skills that can be used both inside and outside of the workplace.
5. Factory floor workers will also benefit from up-skilled management and more stable human relations.