KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 28

Golchha Group, a pioneering industrial group in Nepal with a legacy of over 100 years, has partnered with the Enhanced Skills for Sustainable and Rewarding Employment (ENSSURE) project to launch an industry-led apprenticeship program. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping Nepalese youth with market-relevant technical skills, according to press release issued by the group.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Shekhar Golchha, Chairman and Managing Director of Golchha Group, and Rabindra Bahadur Singh, Team Leader of the ENSSURE project. Under this agreement, both parties commit to training apprentices in fields such as automobile engineering, mechanical engineering, and information technology. The program also includes lifelong learning through Skills Upgrading Training (SUT) for employees, the integration of green skills into the training curriculum, and a focus on workplace safety and occupational health standards within Golchha Group industries.

This collaboration leverages the dual VET-Apprenticeship model, a bilateral initiative supported by the Governments of Nepal and Switzerland. The model blends theoretical knowledge acquired in technical schools with practical training in industries under the supervision of in-company trainers. Upon completing the program, apprentices will receive a pre-diploma certification from the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT).

The dual VET-Apprenticeship program offers significant benefits to all stakeholders. For young people, it provides industry networks, an opportunity to earn while they learn, and a recognized qualification. Employers benefit from cost-effective workforce development and increased productivity through skilled workers. For the government, the model reduces the need for high investments in labs and machinery while producing graduates better aligned with market demands.

Shekhar Golchha, Chairman and Managing Director of Golchha Group, stated: 'This collaboration represents our commitment to empowering Nepalese youth with the skills needed to thrive in today's competitive job market.'

Similarly, Rabindra Bahadur Singh, Team Leader of ENSSURE, remarked: 'This collaboration with Golchha Group is a milestone in Nepal's journey towards a skilled workforce. By integrating industry needs into vocational training, we ensure that apprentices not only gain employment and reduce the skills gap but also contribute to the country's economic progress.'

Golchha Group, which operates over 100 companies across diverse sectors, aims to use this apprenticeship program to develop talent that will drive Nepal's industrial growth and economic development.