Hop Lun Apparel Limited has partnered with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to develop industry-ready skills for Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector, training more than 200 aspiring professionals through workplace-based programmes.
Under the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP), Hop Lun is providing training support at its Unit-2 facility, where eight of its employees are serving as trainers after being evaluated and approved by BGMEA.
The programme has so far trained 208 participants in four areas — Sewing Machine Operation, Industrial Engineering and Lean Manufacturing, Advanced Garments Quality Control Management, and Social Compliance and Environmental Management.
Among the trainees who completed the courses, around 118 have secured employment. Of them, 90 have joined Hop Lun, while the remaining participants have found jobs at other garment factories.
The initiative highlights a growing focus on industry-led skills development as Bangladesh’s apparel sector seeks to improve productivity, quality standards and competitiveness through a workforce equipped with practical factory experience.
Beyond technical training, Hop Lun also arranges job fairs and career counselling to help participants transition into employment. Successful trainees receive certificates and training allowances from BGMEA, while trainers are also awarded certificates.
SICIP is a Ministry of Finance initiative funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that aims to develop a technology-ready workforce and strengthen competitiveness and innovation across Bangladesh’s priority sectors through industry collaboration.
Hop Lun Apparel Limited (Unit-2) General Manager Mohammad Ashiqur Rahman said developing a skilled workforce was 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,” he said.
SICIP BGMEA Project Implementation Unit Coordinator Md Ashfaqur Rahman (Razib) said industry participation was central to the success of the programme.
“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,” he said.
The initiative also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting decent work, industrial innovation and inclusive economic growth.
