The inaugural programme of “PACES – Providing Access to Core Employability Skills”, with a focus on steel fabrication training was held on April 16 at the Farmers’ Market, Indisen, Dimapur, under the aegis of the Department of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of Nagaland.
In his keynote address, Apong, Project Manager of Zynorique Initiative Society (ZIS), the training partner emphasized the importance of hands-on technical skills such as steel fabrication in today’s job market and highlighted how such training can open pathways to sustainable livelihoods. He urged participants to actively engage in both the technical and soft skill components of the programme.
Er Netenba Ajem, Principal of Government Women Industrial Training Institute (WITI), Chumoukedima, in his speech stated that the PACES programme was not merely a training initiative, but an opportunity to ignite a pathway for sustainable careers by providing access to core employability skills.
Highlighting the importance of steel fabrication training in Dimapur, he noted that the district is rapidly developing with ongoing construction of roads, bridges, and buildings. With the growing shift from conventional concrete structures to steel-based construction due to its strength, flexibility, and durability, he emphasized that the demand for skilled workers in steel fabrication is steadily increasing.
He further pointed out that such a transition in the construction sector opens significant employment opportunities for the youth in the district. He informed that the training programme would span 50 days, focusing on equipping participants with practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge.
Ajem concluded by encouraging the participants to take full advantage of the training, remain committed, and use the opportunity to build a strong foundation for their future careers. He also expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in making the programme possible.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Earlier, Employment Officer Dimapur, Kahoto K Zhimomi, in his welcome address highlighted that the Department of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, under the leadership of its Advisor, is actively working towards enhancing youth employability through skill-based initiatives.
He informed that the Department has introduced a short-duration training programme titled PACES (Providing Access to Core Employability Skills), which was launched in early March and is being implemented across Nagaland. The programme aims to train 1,000 youth in core employability skills, enabling them to take up livelihood opportunities.
He stated that the training includes a six-day module covering courses such as basic dessert making and basic makeup artistry, with a total duration of 50 hours. The initiative is being conducted in a location-specific manner, tailoring skill training according to the needs of rural and urban areas.
Zhimomi further mentioned that this is the first phase of the programme, covering 16 locations across the state, with a target of training 400 youth. In the second and third phases, the Department aims to train up to 2,000 youth, and added that around 25 trainees are selected at each location to ensure effective skill development.
Highlighting past success stories, he shared that trainees from earlier batches have formed groups and are now engaged in income-generating activities such as construction work. He expressed hope that the current batch of trainees would also benefit from the programme and take up similar ventures after completion.
The programme was chaired by Loreno Ovung of Government WITI, while the invocation was offered by Tinuyanger Pongen, Youth Director of Indisen Ao Baptist Church. The programme concluded with closing remarks by the chairperson, followed by a benediction.
