BRAC’s Skills Development Programme launched the PRIDE pilot in December 2019 to train disadvantaged youth (ages 18–35) for sustainable jobs in the retail sector across four cities. The program offered both classroom- and apprenticeship-based training and prioritized female participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities. An RCT by BIGD found that the training significantly improved soft skills—especially for women—and increased female trainees’ monthly income by BDT 1,829. While male earnings rose, the increase was not statistically significant. The program also boosted career mobility, with higher job application and job change rates. Satisfaction was generally high, though some concerns were raised about class schedules and overtime work. Only 53% of trainees completed the program, pointing to the need for better targeting, flexible scheduling, and improved accessibility. Both training models were similarly effective, but the apprenticeship model proved more cost-efficient, making it a strong candidate for scale-up.
Authors: Adiba, Afsana; Ahmed, Md. Shakil; Das, Narayan Chandra; Islam, Md. Karimul; Mozumder, Tanvir Ahmed; Siddiquee, Muhammad Shahadat Hossain
Publisher: BIGD
Type: Report
Year: 2025
