SSD Academy successfully conducted skill development training under the Materbari Port Development Project (MPD – Phase 1). Supported by JICA and Chittagong Port Authority, the program trained 267 participants in technical and business trades, empowering local communities with employable skills.

Project Completion Report

Materbari Port Development Project (MPD – Phase 1)

Implemented by: CCDB
Training Provider: SSD Academy (Step-Up Skill Development Academy)
Funded by: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Supported by: Chittagong Port Authority
Location: Bodorkhali, Moheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Total Trainees: 267

Executive Summary

The Materbari Port Development Project (MPD – Phase 1) is a significant skill development initiative designed to empower local communities by providing market-oriented technical and vocational training. The project was funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and supported by the Chittagong Port Authority, with implementation carried out by CCDB and training delivered by SSD Academy (Step-Up Skill Development Academy).

The primary objective of this project was to equip local residents of Moheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, particularly from the Bodorkhali region, with practical skills to enhance employment opportunities, promote entrepreneurship, and support socio-economic development surrounding the Materbari Port Development Project area.

Through a comprehensive training program across eight different trades, the project successfully trained 267 participants, enabling them to gain professional skills in technical and business sectors. The program contributed to improving local workforce capacity, strengthening community livelihoods, and preparing skilled manpower for ongoing and future infrastructure development projects.

Background of the Project

The Materbari Deep Sea Port Development is one of the most important infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. As the port and surrounding industrial zones expand, there is a growing demand for skilled labor and trained technicians.

Recognizing this need, JICA initiated community skill development activities to ensure that local people can benefit from employment opportunities created by the port and related industries.

The Materbari Port Development Project Training Program was therefore established to:

• Develop skilled manpower within the local community

• Increase employability of youth

• Promote self-employment and entrepreneurship

• Improve household income

• Support sustainable community development

To achieve these goals, SSD Academy, a recognized training provider specializing in skill development and vocational training, was selected to conduct the training programs.

Project Objectives

The main objectives of the MPD Phase 1 Skill Development Training Program were:

1. Enhance Technical Skills

Provide high-quality vocational training in multiple trades aligned with local industry demands.

2. Increase Employment Opportunities

Prepare trainees for employment in construction, mechanical, technical, and business sectors related to port development.

3. Promote Entrepreneurship

Encourage trainees to start small businesses, particularly in dry fish and salt processing, which are important local economic activities.

4. Strengthen Local Workforce Capacity

Develop a pool of trained individuals who can contribute to infrastructure projects and economic development in the Materbari region.

5. Improve Socioeconomic Conditions

Increase income-generating opportunities for youth and local families.

Project Location

The training program was conducted in:

Bodorkhali, Moheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

This region is strategically important because it is located near the Materbari Deep Sea Port construction area. The training targeted residents from surrounding communities to ensure local participation in economic activities related to the port development.

Training Provider: SSD Academy

SSD Academy (Step-Up Skill Development Academy) is a professional training organization dedicated to developing skilled human resources in Bangladesh.

The academy focuses on:

• Technical and vocational training

• Entrepreneurship development

• Community-based skill programs

• Workforce development for industrial sectors

Through this project, SSD Academy successfully delivered structured training programs that combined theoretical learning with practical hands-on experience.

Training Trades Conducted

The project delivered training in eight different trades, designed to meet industry and local economic needs.

1. TDM (Trailoring and Dress Making)

The Tailoring and Dress Making training equipped participants with hands-on skills in garment cutting, stitching, sewing machine operation, pattern making, finishing, and clothing production. This trade created strong opportunities for self-employment, income generation, and small business development within the local community.

Total Trainees: 45

2. EIM (Electrical Installation and Maintenance)

This training provided knowledge on:

• Electrical wiring systems

• Electrical safety

• Installation of electrical equipment

• Troubleshooting electrical faults

Total Trainees: 21

3. Welding

The welding training program equipped participants with skills in:

• Arc welding techniques

• Metal fabrication

• Welding safety procedures

• Equipment handling

This trade is highly demanded in construction, shipbuilding, and infrastructure development.

Total Trainees: 10

4. Masonry (Construction Work)

The masonry training included:

• Bricklaying

• Concrete work

• Construction measurements

• Building structure fundamentals

These skills are directly applicable to construction projects around the Materbari Port area.

Total Trainees: 27

5. Automobile Technology

The automobile training provided knowledge in:

• Engine systems

• Vehicle maintenance

• Troubleshooting mechanical issues

• Basic repair techniques

Total Trainees: 16

6. Computer Training

The computer training course included:

• Basic computer operation

• Microsoft Office applications

• Internet usage

• Digital documentation

This program aimed to improve digital literacy among participants.

Total Trainees: 68

7. Small Business Development

(Dry Fish & Salt Processing)

This entrepreneurship-focused training covered:

• Fish processing techniques

• Salt processing methods

• Packaging and preservation

• Business management

• Marketing strategies

This trade supports the local coastal economy of Cox’s Bazar.

Total Trainees: 70

8. Mobile Phone Servicing - MPS Training

The MPS training focused on production and service-based technical skills, enabling participants to gain employment in local industries.

Total Trainees: 10

Total Trainee Participation

Total Trainees: 267

Training Methodology

SSD Academy applied a competency-based training approach, which included:

Classroom Learning

Participants received theoretical knowledge about the trade.

Practical Hands-On Training

Most training time was dedicated to practical skill development.

Demonstrations

Professional trainers demonstrated real-life techniques and processes.

Group Activities

Trainees participated in collaborative learning sessions.

Assessment and Evaluation

Participants were evaluated based on their practical performance and theoretical understanding.

Project Achievements

The project achieved several important outcomes:

1. Development of Skilled Workforce

267 trainees gained valuable vocational skills.

2. Increased Employment Opportunities

Participants became eligible for employment in:

• Construction

• Electrical works

• Automobile services

• Welding and fabrication

• Small business enterprises

3. Promotion of Local Entrepreneurship

The small business training supported the development of local fish processing and salt production businesses.

4. Community Empowerment

Local youth gained confidence and technical competence to pursue professional careers.

5. Support for Materbari Infrastructure Development

The project created a locally skilled workforce that can support ongoing infrastructure development projects.

Impact on the Community

The Materbari Port Development training program has significantly contributed to the economic empowerment of the Moheshkhali community.

Key impacts include:

• Increased household income potential

• Reduced unemployment among youth

• Improved technical knowledge

• Strengthened local entrepreneurship

• Community engagement in national development projects

Challenges Faced During Implementation

Despite the project's success, several challenges were encountered:

• Limited technical awareness among participants at the beginning

• Transportation difficulties in remote areas

• Weather-related disruptions in coastal regions

However, through effective coordination between JICA, CCDB, and SSD Academy, these challenges were successfully managed.

Sustainability of the Project

To ensure long-term impact, the project emphasized:

• Practical skill development

• Industry-relevant training

• Entrepreneurship support

• Continuous mentoring

Many trainees are expected to either secure employment or start their own small businesses, contributing to sustainable economic growth.

Conclusion

The Materbari Port Development Project (MPD – Phase 1) Skill Development Program has been successfully completed with outstanding results.

Through the collaborative efforts of JICA, Chittagong Port Authority, CCDB, and SSD Academy, the project trained 267 participants in eight different trades, creating new opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and community development.

This initiative demonstrates how targeted skill development programs can empower local communities and support national infrastructure development projects.

SSD Academy remains committed to continuing its mission of developing skilled human resources and promoting sustainable livelihoods in Bangladesh.