Highlanders Hospitality Training Institute (HHTI) Under Highlanders Welfare Society (HWS) celebrated their 2nd year anniversary on September 26 at the Indian Red Cross Society Conference Hall, Kohima.
Guest Speaker, T Yimlikhumzuk , Regional Employment Officer , Directorate of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship in his speech said that with time opportunities have also changed .
Referring to the rising number of Jobseekers & unemployment in the state, Yimlikhumzuk said today young people are increasingly willing to migrate outside the state in search of Employment Avenues.
“When it comes to hospitality sector which is a promising and growing industry, Nagaland is certainly not behind,” he noted.
Citing data, he highlighted that youngsters from state are in demand when it comes to job-roles in hospitality. Stating that the people of Nagaland are naturally hospitable, he said with required training such one can easily fit into different job roles in the sector.
Highlighting unemployment status in India, he mentioned that India stands at 5% for persons above 15 years as on August, 2026 [As per PFLS (Periodic Labour Force Survey) by Ministry of Eco. & Stat.] and for Nagaland, the state official unemployment status as on July, 2026 is at 69896 (Almost 70K).
“I am afraid the actual number seeking employment may be different,” he noted.
Yimlikhumzuk further mentioned that the Opportunities in Nagaland in the Public Sector is also not very encouraging.
Questioning on opportunities for young people. He cited that the answer is not government employment alone but the solution is to look into the Private Sector/Self Employment or Entrepreneurship.
“Private Sector employment is not regulated in Nagaland. For which to regulate the Private Placement Agency, the Government i.e. dept has come up with the regulatory framework for PPA to ensure maximum participation of Employers and Job opportunities to avoid illegal occupation, post-placement reporting,” he maintained.
Under this framework, he said that the recruiting agency has to mandatorily register without which they will not be able to operate in Nagaland.
The speaker also encouraged the youngsters to build career by choice and not by chance.
Further, Imlikhumzuk also highlighted hospitality as a fast-growing, service-oriented sector covering hotels, restaurants, tourism, travel, events, catering and related services.
He encouraged youths to not limit dreams to the boundaries of state.
Nühükholü Keyho, Director, HHTI in her progress report highlighted that HHTI was established on 26th September 2024 currently our institute is located at Puro Complex, PR Hill .
She mentioned that HHTI provides structured training programs tailored to industry standards covering front office operations, food and beverages service, kitchen operations and professional service roles.
“Marking first major project from these humble beginnings, we conducted an On-the Job Training program with BBQ Nation for 50 students, placed at Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore setting our initial benchmark for practical industry exposure in the year 2024,” he noted.
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Citing implementation and delivery he said the program includes, Two-Month Hospitality Certification paid Course, followed by Sponsored Six-Month On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program , Sponsored One-Year Diploma Certification Program .
The director said that HHTI began their first paid course, batch 01, with just 4 students in the month of November 2024.
Since then, HHTI has had the privilege of training and placing over 100 candidates successfully. While the number increases to over 260 job placements, the courses through sponsorship-On the Job Training Program are included.
Today, HTTI has 11 candidates for paid program and 28 candidates under sponsorship -On the Job Training program as their 10th batch.
Besides the courses, the Director said HHTI also worked in various capacities including State & National Level Hospitality Event Operations, Sponsorship & Outreach Programs, Institutional Collaborations & Internships, Placement, Recruitment & Socio-Economic Impact, Employment Placements , Recruitment Agency Services, Social Impact & Community Upliftment .
In conclusion the Director highlighted that through the training of over 300 youth and placing them nationwide fills HHTI with hope and conviction.
Guest of Honour, Vezühü Keyho, President, CPO & Proprietor Capital College of Higher Education in his speech also congratulated HHTI team on the occasion.
Keyho said that an institution like this plays a valuable role in empowering young people with practical skills, creating employment opportunities, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
He also appreciated Highlanders Welfare Society for its continued commitment towards community development and youth empowerment.
Earlier , the program was chaired by Deto Keyho Project Director, HWS . The program started with and invocation by Rev. Joseph Nyekha Associate Pastor, Christian Life Church. The program concluded with
Words of Gratitude by Kevino Medeo Secretary, HWS.
