Skill Week 2025: At Embark College, industry, education leaders discuss sustainable livelihood 

KATHMANDU: Leaders in industry and education participated in an interaction programme on the penultimate day of the sixth edition of Skill Week at Embark College, on Sunday. They engaged in a Round Table Discussion titled 'Skills & Education for Sustainable Livelihood'.

Panellists included Binayak Shah, President of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN); Birendra Raj Pandey, Senior Vice President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI); Karan Chaudhary, President of NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal; and Gokarna Raj Awasthi, Director General of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). These industry leaders shared the needs of their respective sectors with educators Manita Oli, Principal of Shubhashree College of Management, affiliated with Pokhara University; Dr Dhurba Kumar Gautam, Vice-Chancellor of Mid-West University; Stephen Driver, Principal of Embark College; and Dr Saurav Satyal, Academic Lead for Embark College.

The panel was supplemented by Saru Pyakurel, Corporate Manager for Glocal; Anup Kumar Shrestha, Head of the Department of Business and Trade at the British Embassy; Greg Klemm, Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy, and Dambar Bahadur Sunuwar, Under Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security (MoLESS). Asish Thakur, Executive Director and CEO of Embark College and Chairman of Glocal served as the discussion lead.

CNI Senior Vice President Pandey highlighted strategies for private sector collaboration, promoting vocational training. NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal President Chaudhary recommended young students join the Enhanced Skills for Sustainable and Rewarding Employment (ENSSURE) project, which focuses on soft skills and vocational training.

HAN President Shah emphasised the tourism industry's recovery and the critical need for skilled manpower, He mentioned that many skilled workers were going abroad. Oli, Principal of Shubhashree College of Management, encouraged students to join startups to gain valuable experience.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Gautam discussed the broad range of skills provided by universities and urged industries to establish incubation centres. Dr Satyal, Academic Lead for Embark College, emphasised the importance of soft skills and announced that Embark College in partnership with the University of Roehamption offers a curriculum that aligns with the UK education system, offering internships and skill-based modules.

Shrestha, Head of the Department of Business and Trade at the British Embassy, recognised the demand for skilled employees. Embark College Principal Driver stressed the necessity of reshaping the curriculum to meet societal needs.

Likewise, FNCCI Director General Awasthi warned of economic challenges and urged youths to create opportunities rather than just seeking employment. MoLESS Under Secretary Sunuwar expressed hope that youths leaving the country would return with capital and skills.

The discussion concluded with Thakur facilitating the intermingling of participants after a tour of Embark College.

Glocal After School, an entity of Glocal, last Monday launched the sixth edition of Skill Week — a week-long celebration aimed at equipping young people and students with essential 21st-century skills.

This event focuses on bridging the gap between academia and industry while promoting employability through workshops, competitions, and networking opportunities.

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