Officials with trainees during the certification programme in Heavy Vehicle Operation and Machinery held at Shokuvi on December 18. ( DIPR Photo)
45 trainees from various districts awarded certificates in heavy machinery sector
KOHIMA, DECEMBER 18 (MExN): As part of the state government’s mandate to skill, employ and empower Naga youth while addressing employment gaps, the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM) under IDAN, Government of Nagaland, has initiated a heavy vehicle operation and machinery training programme in collaboration with the Modern Mechanical and Workshop Training Centre (MMWTC), PWD, at Shokuvi in Chümoukedima.
The first phase of training covered 45 candidates from various districts of the state and offered specialised courses in backhoe loader operation, track excavator operation, tipper truck driving, tandem road roller operation and heavy machinery mechanics. The duration of the courses ranged from one to two months, combining classroom instruction with hands-on practical exposure.
A certification programme for the successful candidates was held on December 18 at the MMWTC, Shokuvi.
Speaking on the occasion, Meripeni, Project Lead, NSEDM-IDAN, expressed appreciation to the Mechanical Department, PWD, for making available its infrastructure and training facilities, noting that accessing similar facilities through private agencies would have involved significantly higher costs. She said the initiative was the first of its kind in Nagaland and aimed at creating a strong pool of local manpower in the heavy vehicle and machinery sector.
She said consultations with stakeholders had revealed a shortage of skilled local manpower in the sector, leading to the conceptualisation of the programme to upskill youth and enable them to access employment opportunities while addressing unemployment. She added that despite systemic challenges, focused efforts were being made to bridge critical gaps through initiatives such as NSEDM-IDAN.
Addressing the trainees, the Project Lead emphasised the importance of discipline, sincerity, confidence and work ethics, and urged them to take responsibility for their professional growth by proactively seeking opportunities and leveraging formal and informal networks, including digital platforms.
Several trainees shared positive feedback, stating that the programme broadened their technical understanding beyond basic machinery operations and helped them realise long-standing career aspirations in the sector.
