Istanbul, Türkiye - In a joint effort to promote workforce development and boost economic growth in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina has partnered with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and UNDP's Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD). 

Under this umbrella and building on the successful outcomes of the "Support to the Establishment of Vocational Training Center in Northern Bosnia" project, UNDP BiH is extending its efforts to further enhance the capacity of the Gradacac Training Centre in the City of Gradačac and the wider region of Northern Bosnia.

The primary objective of this extended initiative is to capacitate the Gradacac Training Centre to be a provider of specialized training programs that bridge the skills gap within the labor force, particularly in target industries in the Northern Bosnia region such as the metal processing, automotive, furniture production, among others. By tailoring pieces of training to the specific demands of these industries, the program seeks to empower the local workforce and enhance their employability.

One of the crucial components of this initiative is the Training of Trainers (ToT) program. The Gradacac Training Centre has taken the first step towards enhancing its capabilities by sending six of its engineers and trainers with a gender balance, as three of the participants were women, to participate in a highly specialized ToT program. 

This program, conducted from October 23^rd to October 27^th, 2023, took place at the ERTEV Training Centre in Bursa, Republic of Türkiye. During the ToT program, these engineers and trainers had the invaluable opportunity to learn from the expertise of ERTEV's specialists. Among others, the participants were exposed to the latest advancements in technology, particularly in the areas of modern 3D printing and CNC milling techniques, to ensure that they return to Bosnia and Herzegovina equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to impart cutting-edge expertise to the local workforce.

Selma Bajraktarević, an engineer from the metal industry, shared her insights after a valuable training experience: “This training was an excellent learning opportunity. I have increased my knowledge and was surprised by the possibilities of 3D printing, such as the rapid development of even the most complex prototypes. This is very applicable in many industries, especially in the metal industry where I have been working for the last 7 years.”

The next phase of this initiative includes the rollout of a CNC milling program designed to benefit unemployed individuals, with a special focus on youth and women. In a parallel effort, a group of ten engineers from priority industries will receive specialized training in Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM). These forthcoming activities are geared toward equipping a broader spectrum of the workforce with the skills and knowledge necessary to bolster their employability, with a particular emphasis on inclusivity and skills enhancement.

For further details, please contact: gokhan.dikmener@undp.org