KATHMANDU, AUGUST 9
The Chaudhary Foundation, a social initiative of Chaudhary Group (CG Corp Global), has announced its participation in the apprenticeship program regulated by the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT).
As part of this initiative, CG Corp Global will offer apprenticeships to 100 youths skilled in various fields, including hotel management, mechanical engineering, automobile engineering, and early childhood development.
According to the statement issued by the foundation on Friday, the apprenticeship program combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Participants will receive training at technical schools and gain hands-on skills in the industry under the supervision of in-company trainers. Upon completion, apprentices will earn a pre-diploma or diploma certificate awarded by CTEVT.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Nirvana Chaudhary, Managing Director of CG Corp Global, and Rabindra Bahadur Singh, Team Leader of the Enhanced Skills for Sustainable and Rewarding Employment (ENSSURE) project.
ENSSURE is a bilateral initiative between the Government of Nepal and Switzerland, executed by CTEVT at the federal level and at the provincial level by education related ministries with technical assistance from Helvetas Nepal.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Danielle Meuwly, Ambassador of Switzerland to Nepal; Mahesh Bhattarai, Member Secretary of CTEVT; and Dr. Prabin Manandhar, Country Director of Helvetas Nepal.
"The Dual VET-Apprenticeship model is a win-win-win for workforce development. Young people gain industry networks, earn while they learn and obtain a recognised qualification. Employers benefit from a net-cost benefit during the apprenticeship period, ultimately increasing productivity through a more skilled workforce. For the government, this model is cheaper, requiring less investment in labs and machinery compared to institution-based TVET courses, while producing more market-relevant graduates", the release further states.
In addition to implementing Dual VET-Apprenticeship programs at CG Corp Global, the MoU aims to promote lifelong learning through Skill Upgrading Training (SUT) and green skills initiatives.
CG Corp Global will support the apprenticeship program by providing placements for apprentices, assigning in-company trainers, providing inputs for revising and updating apprenticeship curricula based on emerging market needs, and promoting occupational safety and health.
Nirvana Chaudhary, Managing Director of CG Corp Global, stated, "This collaboration will bridge the gap between education and employment, providing youths with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive in their careers."
Ambassador Meuwly remarked, "Switzerland has a century-old tradition of dual education for apprenticeship – i.e. education that takes place both in school as well as in companies and industry. 70% of Swiss youths do this type of dual education at secondary level. Many managers in successful Swiss companies, such as top Swiss banks graduated as apprentices. Based on our experience, Switzerland is supporting the government of Nepal to introduce the model of dual education – of course adapted to the Nepalese context. It is indeed great to see that one of Nepal's largest businesses will start participating pro-actively in Nepal's Dual VET-Apprenticeship programme."
Similarly, Mahesh Bhattarai, Member Secretary of CTEVT, added, "CTEVT is dedicated to enhancing the technical skills of the Nepali workforce. This partnership with CG Corp Global will significantly contribute to our mission of providing quality vocational education and training that meets the demands of the industry."
During the program, Dr. Prabin Manandhar, Country Director, Helvetas Nepal, commented, "Our collaboration with Chaudhary Group under the ENSSURE project underscores our commitment to developing a skilled and capable workforce in Nepal. This partnership will not only enhance vocational training but also ensure that it aligns with industry standards and meets the needs of the market."
Chaudhary Group (CG Corp Global), a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Nepal, operates across 15 business verticals and five continents. Its businesses include financial services, consumer goods, education, hospitality, energy, electronics, real estate, biotech, and alternative medicine.
