Vocational Skill Training
Skills Development for Sustainable Livelihood
Participants of Indian Cook training
Vocational Skill Training (VST) is one of the rehabilitation options, managed by
UNDP, aimed to provide occupation based vocational skills to Verified Minors and
Late Recruits (VMLRs) and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed for employment.
More than 35 VST options have been developed based on labour market demand in Nepal.
Courses in Indian cooking, motorcycle mechanics and welding have proven popular
among the VMLRs. The success of these trainings is crucial to the successful return
of VMLRs back into civilian life. The package has been developed through consultation
with the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Council
for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), Technical Training Providers,
and I/NGO’s active in this sector.
Entry requirement for these options runs from basic literacy to Grade 10. Training
options range from 3 to 11 months and are based on the CTEVT endorsed curriculum,
Department of Labour and other Government recognized curricula so as to standardise
the quality of training.
Every option has two major components, institutional training (centre-based) and
On-the-Job Training – OJT (in actual work place). OJT is a core element of the training
and gives trainees the opportunity to acquire real work experience for entry into
the world of work. Monitoring and evaluation is a key strength of vocational skills
training and participants are continually assessed and helped become competent.
During training, participants get a monthly stipend, three meals a day and transportation
allowance to and from their communities.
Prior to completion, participants undergo a Skill Test examination organized by
the National Skill Testing Board (NSTB) of Nepal. These certificates are recognised
in and out of the country.
Post Training Support ensured to provide sustainable employment.
Follow up comes in the form of precise, consistent monitoring and career counselling,
skill enhancement training and support. Information on how to access loans from
financial organisations is provided alongside linkage to potential employers. Practical
in kind help is given in the form of equipment and toolkits to assist in setting
up a business.
An ex-combatant living in a house of a conflict-victim
Bahadur (name changed) from Dailekh is a discharged Maoist former combatant, who
is working in Biratnagar as a cook. He came to Biratnagar in March 2011 and rented
a room. He did not know that the landlord was a victim of conflict. Their good relationship
did not change despite the fact that they were on different sides of the conflict.
“It felt odd when I heard that his house in Okhaldhunga was burnt during the People’s
War and he was displaced to Biratnagar,” said Bahadur.” Bahadur shared, “His kindness
and respect for me is the same even though he suffered through our activities.”
The relationship between Bahadur and his landlord is exemplary at a time, when many
ex-combatants hesitate to go back to society. “We are now on a different path and
have accepted the peace process. Many people still see us through the lens of our
previous life which is not fair. We need to join hands to achieve justice and work
together for peace.”