Golchha Group to Join Hands with ENSSURE for Industry-Led Apprenticeship Program

Kathmandu, 23 December 2024: Golchha Group, a pioneering industrial group in Nepal that
carries a legacy of 100 years, has partnered with the Enhanced Skills for Sustainable and
Rewarding Employment (ENSSURE) project to implement an industry-led apprenticeship
program. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping
youths with market-relevant technical skills.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Shekhar Golchha, Chairman and
Managing Director of Golchha Group, and Rabindra Bahadur Singh, Team Leader of the
ENSSURE project.
The MoU outlines commitments from both parties to train apprentices in fields like automobile
engineering, mechanical engineering, and information technology, promote lifelong learning
through Skills Upgrading Training (SUT) for employees, incorporate green skills into training
curriculum, and ensure workplace safety and occupational health standards in Golchha Group
industries.
This partnership under the ENSSURE project, a bilateral initiative of the Governments of Nepal
and Switzerland, focuses on implementing the dual VET-Apprenticeship model. This model
blends theoretical knowledge acquired in technical schools with practical training in industries
under the supervision of in-company trainers. Upon completion, apprentices will receive a
pre-diploma certification from CTEVT.
The dual VET-Apprenticeship model is a win-win-win for workforce development. Young people
gain industry networks, earn while they learn and obtain a recognised qualification. Employers
benefit from a net-cost benefit during the apprenticeship period, ultimately increasing
productivity through a more skilled workforce. For the government, this model is cheaper,
requiring less investment in labs and machinery compared to institution-based TVET courses,
while producing more market-relevant graduates.
Shekhar Golchha, Chairman and Managing Director of Golchha Group, expressed his
enthusiasm, stating: “This collaboration represents our commitment to empowering Nepalese
youth with the skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.”
Rabindra Bahadur Singh, Team Leader of ENSSURE, stated: “This collaboration with Golchha
Group is a milestone in Nepal’s journey towards a skilled workforce. By integrating industry
needs into vocational training, we ensure that apprentices not only gain employment and reduce
skill gap, but also contribute to the country’s economic progress.”
Golchha Group operates more than 100 companies across various sectors. By participating in
the dual VET-Apprenticeship program, the group aims to nurture talent that will contribute to
Nepal’s industrial growth and economic development.