The Informal Sector Industry Skills Council (ISISC) plays a crucial role in shaping national skills development priorities through strategic policy advocacy and widespread awareness initiatives. By representing the needs of informal sector workers and enterprises, ISISC ensures that national policies, programs, and resources reflect the realities of one of the largest segments of Bangladesh’s workforce.

1. Policy Advocacy for the Informal Sector

ISISC actively engages with government bodies, development partners, and industry stakeholders to promote policies that strengthen the informal sector.

Key Advocacy Areas

• Recognition and inclusion of informal workers in national skill development frameworks
• Reforming policies to support Competency-Based Training & Assessment (CBTA)
• Expanding access to Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• Ensuring occupational safety, welfare, and social protection for informal workers
• Promoting pathways for lifelong learning and career progression
• Policy alignment with emerging economic and technological trends

Impact

Informal sector workers and enterprises receive greater institutional support, recognition, and access to skill-building opportunities.

2. Evidence-Based Policy Recommendations

ISISC uses field data, skill needs assessments, and industry insights to provide:

• Policy briefs
• Recommendations to ministries and agencies
• Input for national skills regulations
• Research-driven proposals

These ensure policies are data-driven, practical, and industry-validated.

3. Awareness and Outreach Initiatives

To expand the reach of skill development programs, ISISC conducts targeted awareness campaigns across communities and industries.

Awareness Activities

• Community mobilization programs
• Roadshows, seminars, and public events
• Engagement with local associations and cooperatives
• Digital and print communication campaigns
• Outreach on the benefits of certification, RPL, and formal training

Objectives

• Increase participation in skills programs
• Inform workers about training and certification opportunities
• Promote the value of standardized skills in the informal sector

4. Stakeholder Engagement

ISISC builds strong networks through continuous engagement with:

• Government ministries
• Industry groups
• Employers and informal enterprises
• NGOs and development partners
• Local community leaders

This collaborative approach strengthens the national skills ecosystem and reinforces the importance of structured skills development.

5. Building Public Awareness on Skills Importance

ISISC promotes a national culture that values skills by highlighting the importance of:

• Standardization
• Certification
• Lifelong learning
• Safe and productive workplaces
• Inclusive development

6. Contribution to National Development Goals

Through effective advocacy and awareness, ISISC supports:

• National Skills Development Policy
• SDG targets on decent work and economic growth
• Formal recognition of the informal workforce
• Strengthening Bangladesh’s human capital