SKILL LAB-IMPROVING EMPLOYABILITY OUTCOMES

“Imagine a world where every student not only knows what their dream career looks like but also has a clear path to reach it, equipped with the skills that employers are actively seeking”. This is the vision that drives Nanda Kishor Mandal, Founder and Director of Skill Lab, as he seeks to revolutionise how students prepare for the workforce. For Mandal, it is not just about finding a job, it is about empowering an entire generation to thrive in careers that match their potential and ambitions.

Mandal’s journey with Skill Lab began with a simple observation: despite having degrees, many young graduates struggle to secure meaningful employment. “Education should lead to opportunity, but too often, students are left confused about how to take the next step,” he explains. Skill Lab was created to bridge this gap, providing students with a personalised roadmap that connects education with employability. The platform ensures that students develop not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills that today’s job market demands.

At the heart of Skill Lab lies its AI-powered platform, meticulously designed to personalise career pathways for each student based on their unique aspirations. “Students tell us what they want to achieve, and from there, our platform provides the tools to help them get there,” explains Mandal. The platform’s competency-based assessments combined with industry-aligned courses give students a clear understanding of their current abilities and the areas they need to develop. “It is all about creating clarity for students,” he adds, “so they can focus on building the skills that matter most.”

Collaboration with employers is another cornerstone of Skill Lab’s approach. “We are constantly in touch with companies to understand what they are looking for in new hires,” Mandal notes. By partnering with over 300 companies in Nepal, Skill Lab ensures that its courses and assessments align with real-world job demands. One notable success story comes from its collaboration with SecurityPal, where students were trained specifically for roles that the company needed, resulting in direct employment opportunities. “We are creating a pipeline where students can transition seamlessly from learning to working,” Mandal says proudly.

Mandal’s dedication to enhancing the student experience goes beyond just offering courses and assessments. Each month, he meets with schools and students to collect feedback on Skill Lab’s functionality and impact. “We believe the best way to improve is by listening to the very people who use our platform,” he notes. These ongoing interactions allow Skill Lab to continuously adapt and evolve, ensuring it remains both relevant and effective. Furthermore, Skill Lab offers over 400 skill tests, covering a wide spectrum of competencies. “Our skill tests are designed to help students identify their strengths and weaknesses, providing them with a comprehensive picture of where they stand,” Mandal explains. This tailored approach ensures that students are not only equipped with the right skills but also have the confidence to succeed in their chosen careers.

One of the major challenges youth face today is a lack of awareness about the opportunities available to them and how to prepare for them. “Students often do not know where to find opportunities or if they are qualified for them,” says Mandal. Skill Lab solves this problem by consolidating all opportunities in one platform, while also offering preparation modules and tests. “We have democratised access to opportunities offering more than 800 courses and over 400 industry ready tests,” Mandal adds. This approach allows students to understand both the opportunities they can pursue and how to prepare for them in prior, ensuring they are ready for the workforce.

But Skill Lab’s mission goes beyond simply helping students land their first job. Mandal is deeply invested in tackling Nepal’s brain drain issue, encouraging students to pursue fulfilling careers within the country. “We want to show young professionals that there are opportunities right here in Nepal,” he explains. By working with local companies to identify skill gaps and create flexible work environments, Skill Lab is helping to keep talent within the country, offering an alternative to those considering migration for better prospects abroad.

Mandal’s vision for Skill Lab is expansive, with plans to take the platform beyond Nepal’s borders. Already operating in the Philippines, Skill Lab is set to launch in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia by the end of 2024. “Our platform is adaptable to the unique demands of each region,” Mandal says, “We are focusing on creating customised solutions for different markets, while maintaining our core mission of empowering students everywhere.” This global ambition reflects Mandal’s belief that the need for better career preparedness is universal.

Ultimately, Mandal’s passion is rooted in the desire to make a lasting impact on the next generation. “We want students to feel confident, not just in getting a job, but in building a career they are excited about,” he affirms. Through Skill Lab, Mandal is shaping futures by giving young people the tools, opportunities, and guidance they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.