Kathmandu, December 18

Graduates of vocational training programmes and workforce with skills in Nepal can now look forward to brighter days ahead as their qualifications and skills will be recognised within and outside the country.

The Government of Nepal and the Government of Switzerland have signed an agreement to this effect on July 22, 2015. As per the agreement, a project would be launched for the establishment of a national vocational qualification system.

The project will be implemented through Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training/ National Skills Testing Board. Swiss Foundation for Technical Cooperation will provide technical support to the project. The project was formally launched amid a programme in the capital today.

Experts speaking at the function hoped that the project would help enhance the skills of Nepali youths. The project will enable NSTB to improve its skills testing services, develop vocational qualification frameworks for selected trades and occupations and gradually transform itself into a fully developed autonomous body.

Speaking at the programme, Education Secretary Bishwo Prakash Pandit said, “We have immense natural resources and equipped with appropriate skills we can utilise them fully. The project will help us develop entrepreneurship and help increase our national output,” he said. He further said that NVQS project will help improve our indigenous technology and bring modern technology from abroad.

Diepak Elmer, deputy head of mission, Swiss Embassy, said the project will be a key contributor to systemic changes in technical and vocational education and training system that will enable women and men, including those from disadvantaged groups, to get access to increased employment and self-employment opportunities and to perform at higher productivity levels.” This, in turn shall lead to higher income, enhanced livelihood and resilience, bring down poverty and promote inclusive growth, he added.

In Nepal, 500,000 youths enter the labour market annually. Most entrants have low or very few skills and thus remain unemployed or underemployed. According to Devi Prasad Dahal, team leader, NVQS, the project will provide technical assistance to key stakeholders in three phases over the next 10 years. The budget of the project is Rs 4 billion.