Apprenticeship, a system of training a new generation of practitioners of a trade or profession with on-the-job training in industries, provides mutual benefits to both the potential employees and employers. The Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN) works relentlessly to promote apprenticeship and create work-readiness programmes for youth and foster skills for business development.

An MoU was signed between a2i and GAN in 2017 to connect with the Apprenticeship network of other countries and share reciprocal knowledge and experience. Under the leadership of a2i, Bangladesh as the 12^th country has become a part of this global network, on 21st September 2018 at Cox’s Bazar.

a2i will work to set up a strong global apprenticeship network by establishing a common national platform which will promote apprenticeship program countrywide; encourage industries to practice apprenticeship; apply co-creation strategies for re-designing and strengthening of the apprenticeship programme. It will also showcase the best practices of apprenticeships, internships, mentoring and on-the-job training; and strengthen the commitment of organizations to adopt sound human capital development strategy and local and international knowledge sharing mechanisms.

Md. Salim Reza, Director General, Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) was present in the launching ceremony as chief guest while special guests were Dr. Mafizur Rahman, Director General of Bangladesh Industrial and Technical Assistance Center (BITAC); Dr. Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB); Manas Bhattacharya, Specialist of International Labour Organization (ILO); Farooq Ahmed, Secretary-General of Bangladesh Employers’ Federation, Brig. Gen. A.H.M Mokbul Hossain, CEO of Royal Hotel, Kazi Golam Ali Sumon, General Secretary of BAPMA; Debashish Kumar Saha, Executive Director of Fakir Apparels; Abdul Kader Munshi, Director of Ocean Paradise; and A.T.M Ahmed Hossain, Director (Food & Beverage) of Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort.