Kathmandu, April 1

Enhanced Skills for Sustainable and Rewarding Employment project was formally launched amid a programme yesterday to provide skills training to youth.

The project was launched as per the agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Government of Switzerland on January 20, 2016. The first phase of the project, which is being implemented by the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training with technical assistance from HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation, will last till 2019.

The project primarily targets youth who lack skills certification and require further training to improve their employment prospects. Likewise, the project would also benefit educated and skilled youth with investment potential but lack entrepreneurship skills. Public and the private TVET providers, including industries, associations and others, would be other beneficiaries of the project.

In its first phase, the project will benefit a total of 61,000 youth through skills training as well as career counseling services.

Speaking at the programme, Deputy Head of Mission at the Swiss Embassy in Nepal Diepak Elmer, said the project aims to help Nepali workers, particularly from disadvantaged groups.

The project will focus on five sub-sectors — hospitality, construction, electrical/electronics, mechanical and automotive. The project offices will be established in major cities areas.