Entrepreneurship the way forward

Instead of waiting for jobs, youths should focus on how to become entrepreneurs and come up with innovative ideas to meet the market demand, said Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid yesterday.

He made the recommendations while addressing the inaugural programme of “Step Skills Competition 2017” organised by the Skills and Training Enhancement Project (STEP) under Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB) at Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission in the capital.

The minister said job sector demands skilled professionals, particularly technical ones but the country lacks such professionals.

Also, the number of students entering job market is much higher than the jobs available. As a result, entrepreneurship, no matter how small, and innovative thinking can not only help the youths flourish, but also boost the country's economy.

Youths should focus on innovations in accordance with the market demand, he said

He also urged the industrialists to come forward and invest more in technical education and research. Many developed countries focus on technical training. For example, 80 percent of the German students study in technical education, the minister said.

A total of 162 polytechnic institutes will participate in the competition starting from October 21. STEP has been organising it since 2014. Dr Mostafizur Rahman, chairman of BTEB, was also present.