HPKVN to launch free skill courses

Kangra, January 20

In view of the huge scope of self-employment in the hill state, the Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam (HPKVN) is coming up with residential training programmes in various sectors in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, Mohali, National Institute of Financial Management, Faridabad and Central Tool Room, Ludhiana.

Sudhir Bhatia, Kangra District Coordinator, HPKVN, said as per the report of the Asian Development Bank, it was estimated that the net demand for skilled workers in Himachal would amount to 5.15 lakh by 2022 across various trades such as retail, healthcare, tourism and hospitality and information technology. He said the state had a narrow demographic window until 2022, after which the share of working-age population of 15 to 59 years would begin to decline. He said the state government was keen to take advantage of this demographic window by providing market-linked skill opportunities to those aged 15 and 35 years.

For all these courses, seats were limited in each of the leading establishments. The training programmes were free of cost and the selected candidates would be provided boarding and lodging by the HPKVN. The certificate courses shall be of short duration ranging from two weeks to six months.

The nigam is also working to expand, support and coordinate private sector initiatives for skill development through public-private partnership models. Managing Director, HPKVN, Rohan Chand Thakur, said the nigam was making efforts to increase employability scenarios for the Himachali youth.

He said the last date for registration was January 27 and for more information, the candidates could visit HPKVN website www.hpkvn.in. or call on 0177-2623383. — OC