Assignment Name: Tracer Study on the RAISE Apprenticeship Program

Country: Bangladesh

Client Name: The World Bank

Project Background

The Tracer Study on the Apprenticeship Program under the RAISE (Recovery and Advancement of Informal Sector Employment) project aims to assess the effectiveness of the apprenticeship program, which was initiated to provide youth in Bangladesh with the skills necessary for sustainable employment. Implemented nationwide, this World Bank-funded project supports young people in entering the labor market, particularly within urban and economically disadvantaged areas. As Bangladesh advances towards its Vision 2041 objectives, vocational education and skill development are critical pillars. The study will examine the employment outcomes, skills utilization, program satisfaction, social acceptance, and impact on apprentices’ career advancement.

Objectives of the Assignment

The objective of the assignment is to carry out a tracer study of graduated apprentices to understand the program’s impact on employment outcomes and to generate learnings for future improvement.

The specific objectives of the study include:

1. Evaluate the employment and career advancement of apprentices after completing the program, including job placement rates, career progression, and economic benefits achieved.
2. Analyze the extent to which the skills acquired during the apprenticeship are utilized in the workplace, including how relevant and applicable they are in real-world job settings.
3. Evaluate the employment and career advancement of apprentices after completing the program, including job placement rates, career progression, and economic benefits achieved.
4. Analyze the extent to which the skills acquired during the apprenticeship are utilized in the workplace, including how relevant and applicable they are in real-world job settings.
5. Measure the satisfaction levels of program participants with the quality and relevance of the training provided.
6. Explore the social acceptance of the apprenticeship program by assessing its impact on participants’ self-worth, community respect, and broader societal perceptions of vocational training.
7. Identify the strengths and opportunities for improvement within the program to ensure it continues to meet labor market demands and enhances the employability of low-income youth.

Scope of the Study

The Tracer Study will focus on graduates of the RAISE Apprenticeship Program from three cohorts who completed their apprenticeships between January 2023 and October 2024. The study will cover a representative sample of participants from 35 districts, which are major job hubs, across 8 divisions of Bangladesh, ensuring geographic and sectoral diversity. Key areas of focus will include:

1. Employment and Career Advancement: Assessing the employment status, job search duration, career progression, and economic benefits for both male and female apprentices.
2. Skills Utilization: Evaluating the relevance and application of the skills acquired during the apprenticeship, identifying any gaps between training and workplace requirements.
3. Program Satisfaction: Gauging the apprentices’ satisfaction with the training, including their perception of its impact on employability and career growth.
4. Social Acceptance: Understanding the program’s influence on apprentices’ social standing, confidence, and whether the program has inspired others in the community to pursue vocational training.
5. Program Strengths and Improvement Areas: Identifying successful outcomes, such as job placements and skill development, and suggesting areas where the program can be refined to better serve future participants.

The results will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the RAISE apprenticeship program, offering actionable recommendations for future program enhancements.

DM WATCH LIMITED will conduct an extensive tracer study involving quantitative and qualitative methods to assess the outcomes of the RAISE apprenticeship program. Key services include:

Inception Phase

• Development of a detailed Inception Report outlining the methodology, sampling strategy, and data collection tools.
• Consultations with the World Bank and PKSF teams to finalize the scope and study objectives.

Survey Instrument Design and Pilot Testing

• Design survey instruments covering key focus areas, including employment outcomes, skills utilization, and program satisfaction.
• Pilot testing of the survey on at least 50 respondents to refine questions and ensure accuracy.

Field Data Collection

• The Tracer Study for the RAISE Apprenticeship Program will encompass a representative sample of 2,520 apprentices and 420 employers across 35 districts in Bangladesh. The sample distribution will ensure balanced representation across geographic, gender, sectoral, and disadvantaged groups, accurately reflecting the diversity of program participants.
• To provide a comprehensive view of the study objectives, we propose conducting 67 qualitative surveys, ensuring data saturation is achieved. Additionally, we will carry out 27 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), 24 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), 8 In-Depth Interviews (IDIs), and 8 case studies. These will engage national-level stakeholders, project stakeholders, apprentices, female apprentices, apprentices’ families, and community members, providing rich insights into the program’s impact and effectiveness.
• Ensure data quality through the High-Frequency Checking (HFC) template in Stata and regular spot checks.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Utilize descriptive statistics, econometric modeling, and qualitative content analysis to interpret findings.
• Prepare a Draft Summary Report, presenting key indicators and preliminary findings.
• Conduct validation workshops with stakeholders to gather feedback.

Final Reporting

• Submit the final report with refined insights and strategic recommendations to improve program outcomes.
• Provide all datasets, supporting documentation, and analysis files to the World Bank.

This study will provide the World Bank and the implementing agency (PKSF) with valuable insights into the apprenticeship program’s outcomes, particularly concerning job placement, skill application, and social acceptance. The findings will inform policy decisions and program improvements, ultimately enhancing youth employability and contributing to Bangladesh’s economic development goals.