The final assessment examinations for two skills development courses under the Accelerating and Strengthening Skills for Economic Transformation (ASSET) project were held in Sreemangal of Moulvibazar today (September 26).

The examinations were conducted at the HWO Resort and Learning Centre in Bishamoni, Sreemangal, with a team of representatives from the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) present to supervise and assess the candidates.

According to the training centre authorities, a total of 48 trainees from two batches under the fourth cycle of the project took part in the assessment.

 The courses were Entrepreneurship Development (Level 4) and Housekeeping (Accommodation and Cleaning Management, Level 2). The training programmes began in April this year.

The assessment was conducted in written, oral and practical formats in accordance with the standards set by the NSDA to evaluate the skills acquired by the trainees.

The ASSET project, implemented under the Directorate of Technical Education with financial support from the Prime Minister's Office, aims to equip unemployed youths with technical and job-oriented skills and create opportunities for employment and self-employment.

Trainees who successfully complete the training and pass the assessment will receive certificates from the NSDA.

In the previous, third cycle of the project, 48 trainees took part in two batches of Driving (Level 3), with 44 successfully passing the assessment, including seven women. In the same cycle, all 24 trainees in Computer Operation (Level 2) and 24 trainees in Advanced Office Applications (Level 3) successfully completed their respective courses.

To encourage participation in the training programmes, general trainees receive a monthly allowance of Tk 1,500 for three months, totalling Tk 4,500. Trainees from ethnic minority communities, persons with disabilities, tea communities and third-gender groups receive Tk 2,000 per month, totalling Tk 6,000. A daily transport allowance of Tk 100 is also provided.

Dr Sajib Singha, central in-charge and focal person of HWO Resort and Learning Centre, and Executive Director Dr Surmoni Singha said the examinations were completed under the overall supervision of NSDA representatives through a transparent process.

They said the financial support and skills development initiatives under the Prime Minister's Office were helping young people in Sreemangal develop skills and become more self-reliant and employable.