CREATIVE IT training-to-employment model draws global interest

Creative IT Institute has received an award in the Talent Development category from the Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO), highlighting Bangladesh’s potential to create technology-based jobs. Its Founder and CEO, Md Monir Hosen, in an interview with The Daily Observer Staff Correspondent Walid Khan says his institute’s training-to-employment model has attracted interest from developing countries, including Nepal and Bhutan. Excerpts of the interview are as follows

DO: What does the ASOCIO award mean to you?
Monir: This award is a matter of pride for Bangladesh. It is not only recognition for our organisation but also an opportunity to present Bangladesh’s experience on the international stage. This achievement shows the world that Bangladesh producing competitive IT professionals.

DO: What is the unique feature of Creative IT’s training model?
Monir: When I started, many institutions offered computer training, but students often learned about different subjects without becoming highly skilled in any one area. From my experience with international clients, I realised that employers value specific expertise. They need people who can perform particular jobs well. We designed our courses to help students develop skills in computer fundamentals, graphic design, web development and video editing. We also teach them how to find work on international marketplaces, communicate with clients and present their skills.

DO: How has Creative IT helped people develop their skills?
Monir: We provide suitable training to help people overcome barriers to employment. In one early batch of trainees with hearing and speech disabilities, 18 of 24 received jobs at our organization.  We also help women work from home and access international opportunities. We believe technology can reduce traditional employment barriers and create income opportunities for everyone.

DO: How does the institute prepare trainees for the international job market?

DO: Why could this model be useful in other developing countries?
Monir: The IT sector can also create jobs beyond major cities. With electricity and reliable internet, people can work for international clients from different parts of a country. We have taken initiatives to create employment in Panchagarh, where around 70 to 80 people are currently employed. Developing countries want to create skill young generation through proper guidance, suitable training and skills development. Nepal and Bhutan have shown interest in working with this model, and we plan to engage in discussions with them.We believe sharing experience among developing countries can help build skilled workforces and expand technology-based employment.

DO: Can Bangladesh’s IT sector become a major alternative to the ready-made garment industry?
Monir: Yes, Bangladesh’s IT sector has enormous potential, but realising it requires proper infrastructure, skilled workers and strategic planning. People do not always need to move to Dhaka to work for international clients if they have reliable internet, electricity and the necessary skills. For this we must develop expertise in software development, technical problem-solving, digital services and other advanced fields.

DO: How is artificial intelligence changing the IT job market?

DO: Which countries are Bangladesh’s major competitors in freelancing?
Monir: Bangladesh’s major competitors include India, Pakistan and the Philippines. Vietnam, Indonesia and some Eastern European countries are also competitors in particular fields. Bangladeshi freelancers compete with them for projects on platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer.com. If other countries continue improving their technical expertise while we rely on outdated knowledge, we risk losing international work.

DO: What should the government do to improve IT training and employment?
Monir:  First, training curricula must reflect the current and future needs of the industry. Courses designed around requirements from four or five years ago may not prepare students for today’s job market. We should focus on AI-based curriculum based on emerging technologies.Training should be measured by how many people can compete in the international market, not simply by how many enter the classroom. Bangladesh must prepare its workforce to compete with countries such as India, Vietnam, Pakistan and other countries. 

Third, stronger oversight is needed to stop misleading promises of online earnings. Many young people are attracted by claims that they can become millionaires overnight. Fraudulent activities carried out in the name of training or online business should face strict action. Wrong guidance can hold back an entire generation, while the right guidance can open new opportunities. The government has an important responsibility in this area.