The role of training and development in bridging skill gaps: a case study of JW Apparels Limited

Abstract

"The title of this report: ""The Role of Training and Development in Bridging Skill Gaps: A Case Study of JW Apparels Ltd."" has been developed for understanding the relevance of managing organized training and development processes with the workforce skill gaps in JW Apparels Ltd, one of the key players in garment manufacturing of Bangladesh. For organizations such as JW Apparels Ltd., which operate in a very tough competitive environment where there is a high emphasis on quality, productivity and efficiency, skill deficiencies – that is, the gap between the actual skills that employees have now and the required skills to meet the needs of the organization, – are a significant factor. While this study intends to determine the effectiveness level of current training programs at JW Apparels Ltd, the first direction of training programs is to understand how they are aligned with business’s objectives and what aspects can be improved. The qualitative strategy of data collection involved direct observation of training sessions, interviews with HR practitioners and analysis of training records. This approach rendered rich information about what, why and how of the training programs designed to enhance technical, operational and leadership competence. The findings indicate that there are several training programs already instituted at JW Apparels Ltd which has to some extent increased staff confidence in operational core values and fundamental technical skills. Nonetheless, there remain important deficits, especially in managerial capabilities, in the standards of quality control, and in the sophisticated. Workers noted that there is a need for further practical exposure, especially in the operation of complex machines and quality control techniques which are needed to maintain the production standards of the company. The report gives some reasons as to what they have been doing in terms of improving its training effectiveness with respect to the above findings. These are development of separate modules on advanced skills for instance, through setting frequent evaluation measures for the training impact, delivering supervisors’ development programs, and the application of blended learning approach. It is expected that addressing skill deficiencies and creating an environment of continuous improvement will lead to increased organizational productivity and employee output. Therefore, that paper ends with comments on the importance of continual re-evaluation of training priorities and content in relation to changes in business objectives and industry needs. These recommendations will enable JW Apparels Ltd. to upgrade workforce capabilities, reduce the skill shortages and compete effectively in the apparel manufacturing industry."