Recognizing the acute shortage of skilled technical professionals and effective training programmes locally, CSDC members Aktel, Alcatel, Ericsson and Huawei formed the ICT Working Group in December 2005, to internally address the most pressing skills needs shared by all members. The group began conducting training programmes in May 2006; with ZTE joining in June 2006. The Working Group's objectives are:

To develop and sustain the requisite skilled workforce to promote and ensure the long-term growth of Bangladesh's vast telecommunications sector

 
Employees from Aktel, Alcatel, Ericsson and Huawei attending 'GSM Fundamental' Training

To facilitate and develop cost-effective, value-added skills training for telecommunication vendors and operators that keep pace with technology changes

 

To provide telecommunications vocational skills training to UCEP graduates to generate more sustainable means of economic livelihood by meeting the high-demand skill requirements of the telecommunication operators, vendors and subcontractors

 

To facilitate and develop certification programmes for partnering telecommunication subcontractors that meet the international quality standards required by CSDC members