The emergence of training programmes for the garment industry: Analysing the cases of Bangladesh, Cambodia and Sri Lanka from a historical-institutionalist perspective

Abstract

This study analyses industry-specific training programmes catering to the garment industry in Bangladesh, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. Employing a historical-institutionalist perspective and using mainly qualitative data, it focuses on programmes that are considered particularly relevant by the industry and discuss their characteristics as well as factors that have had an impact on their development. The article finds that such programmes are usually offered beyond formal upper secondary vocational education and training, mostly at postsecondary and tertiary level, and in many cases by private providers. However, the case of Sri Lanka shows that public investment in the training of employees at different skill levels can make an important contribution to the development of a high-skill formation regime—but that it depends on the right timing.