The Informal Sector Industry Skills Council (ISISC) plays a vital role in identifying the real skill demand within Bangladesh’s vast informal economy. Through continuous research, industry consultation, and field-level engagement, ISISC conducts comprehensive Skills Needs Assessments to ensure that training, certification, and policy planning stay aligned with market realities.

What Is Skills Needs Assessment?

Skills Needs Assessment is a systematic process of identifying:

• Existing skill gaps in informal sector occupations
• Emerging skills required for new technologies and practices
• Opportunities for upskilling and reskilling workers
• The actual demand of employers, small enterprises, and informal businesses

This helps create a bridge between the workforce and industry requirements.

Why It Is Important for the Informal Sector

Bangladesh’s economy depends heavily on the informal sector, which employs a significant percentage of the national workforce. Despite its size, this sector often lacks structured training, formal recognition, and standardized skills.

Through its assessment activities, ISISC:

• Understands which occupations need immediate skill development
• Identifies future trends in informal work
• Helps workers gain skills that improve income, job security, and mobility
• Supports enterprise growth through a more competent workforce

How ISISC Conducts Skills Needs Assessments

ISISC uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including:

• Industry and enterprise consultations
• Surveys with workers and master craftspersons
• Field visits and occupation-level observations
• Market and employment trend analysis

The results enable ISISC to provide data-driven insights that shape national skills development strategies.

How the Assessment Supports ISISC’s Core Functions

The findings from Skills Needs Assessments directly contribute to:

1. National Occupational Standards (NOS) Development

Assessment data helps define the exact competencies required for each occupation.

2. Curriculum & Training Module Development

Training providers receive updated, demand-based curricula tailored to the real needs of the informal sector.

3. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Assessment insights help identify which informal skills can be certified, empowering millions of workers with formal recognition.

4. Industry & Training Partnerships

ISISC collaborates with enterprises and TPs based on priority skill areas identified through assessments.

5. Policy Advocacy

With accurate data on skill shortages and opportunities, ISISC supports national policies that strengthen informal workforce development.

Impact of Skills Needs Assessment

• Creates a skilled and competitive workforce
• Enhances productivity and income generation
• Helps training institutions stay updated and relevant
• Ensures Bangladesh’s informal sector remains a strong contributor to employment and GDP