Twenty-five youths from Humtso, Elumyo and Wokha Village successfully completed a seven-day basic steel fabrication training held under the “PACES – Providing Access to Core Employability Skills” initiative, with the valedictory programme conducted at the Community Hall, Wokha Village, on April 7.

Organized by the Department of Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the training focused on imparting practical skills aimed at promoting self-employment and small-scale enterprise development among local youth. MLA Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe attended the closing programme as the special guest.

In his address, Humtsoe highlighted the changing employment landscape, stating that reliance on government jobs is no longer sustainable due to increasing saturation. He encouraged the trainees to take pride in skill-based work and to explore entrepreneurship with confidence.

Emphasizing the value of collaboration, he urged the participants to work collectively rather than individually, noting that shared efforts often yield better and more sustainable outcomes. He also advised them to remain disciplined and innovative while applying the skills they have learned.

The MLA further called upon concerned officials to identify deserving unemployed youth who lack access to such training opportunities, assuring his continued support for expanding skill development initiatives.

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CEO of Zynorique Initiative Society, Richard Belho, stated that the training programme was made possible through the initiative of the MLA and was part of a broader plan to train 100 participants. He pointed to the growing opportunities in the construction sector and expressed hope that trainees would make productive use of their newly acquired skills. He also indicated the possibility of advanced training programmes in the future.

Additional Director of the department, Zubemo Lotha Tsanglao, informed that Nagaland had been allotted 100 training slots across four districts. He noted that the department’s “mobile skill morung” concept has received national-level appreciation. He also lauded the performance of the trainees, especially the lone female participant for her innovative approach.

Participants described the training as practical and enriching, stating that it boosted their confidence in handling tools and understanding fabrication techniques. The lone female trainee shared that while the work initially seemed challenging, she gradually gained confidence through patience and practice. The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates and tools to all trainees.