The CG Corp Global and the Enhanced Skills for Sustainable and Rewarding Employment (ENSSURE) project on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the apprenticeship programme regulated by the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT).

The agreement was signed by Nirvana Chaudhary, managing director of CG Corp Global, and Rabindra Bahadur Singh, team leader of the ENSSURE project, a bilateral initiative of the government of Nepal and Switzerland, executed at the federal level by CTEVT and at the provincial level by the education-related ministries with technical assistance from Helvetas Nepal.

Dr Danielle Meuwly, ambassador of Switzerland to Nepal, Mahesh Bhattarai, member secretary of the CTEVT, and Dr Prabin Manandhar, country director of Helvetas Nepal attended the MOU signing ceremony.

CG Corp Global will provide apprentices to 100 youths who are skilled technicians in various occupations such as hotel management, mechanical engineering, automobile engineering, and early childhood development facilitators, etc., said a statement issued after signing of the MoU.

“In the apprenticeship programme, youths receive some theoretical knowledge and practical competencies in a technical school but hone their skills at the industry under the supervision of an in-company trainer,” the statement said. “Eventually, they receive a pre-diploma or diploma certificate awarded by CTEVT.”

Young people gain industry networks, earn while they learn and obtain a recognised qualification, it said.

“This collaboration will bridge the gap between education and employment, providing youths with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive in their careers,” Managing Director of CG Corp Global Chaudhary said.

Stating that Switzerland has a century-old tradition of dual education for apprenticeship, that is education that takes place both in school as well as in companies and industry, Ambassador Meuwly said 70 percent 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,” she said.

Member Secretary Bhattarai said that this partnership will significantly contribute to their mission of providing quality vocational education and training that meets the demands of the industry.

Manandhar said this partnership will not only enhance vocational training but also ensure that it aligns with industry standards and meets the needs of the market.