Creating pathways to employment for youth of Meghalaya
20 Jun 2019
Don Bosco Tech Society in partnership with Meghalalya State Skills Development Society (MSSDS), Govt of Meghalaya organized ‘Shillong Job Fair’ at the campus of Don Bosco Technical School on June 21-22, 2019. Mr. Bhupesh Hajong, MCS (Executive Director, MSSDS) invited as Chief Guest, Mrs J. Lyngwa (Deputy Director, Employment Exchange, Govt. Meghalaya) and Fr. Edmund Gomes (Rector, Don Bosco Technical School. Shillong) as Guests of Honour to inaugurate the job fair.
Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Mr. Hajong spoke at length about the importance of skill development and the need for the youth of the Meghalaya to make an informed choice about their career path so as to achieve success in their lives.
Speaking as the Guests of Honour, Mrs Lyngwa encouraged the youth to take advantage of the Job Fair where they have the unique opportunity to meet employers from different sectors and industries, while Fr. Edmund Gomes reminded the young participants that the purpose of the Job Fair was to encourage them to work hard and make a success of their lives.
Addressing the gathering, Fr Edmund shared about the life of Don Bosco for the service of youth and also highlighted the objective and mission of Salesians towards youth empowerment through short-term skills.
Hiring managers from more than 30 companies, including, Apollo Proton Hospital, Just Dial, Bharti AXA Life Insurance, Speed Wings Aviation, Safexpress, Jetex, Devyani International, Sodexo, ICICI Bank, Barbeque Nation and more, met with over 4200 young people – 18-35 years old, who are disconnected from school and employment – to meaningful job opportunities and resources. Employers from Logistics, Tourism & Hospitality, IT& ITeS, Health Care, Security, Aviation and Beauty & Wellness Sectors attended the job fair for selecting the deserved youth for different job roles. Many participants received on-the-spot job offer from the employers. In addition to immediate job offers, the coalition provided access to free skill training provided by MSSDS under ‘Supporting Human Capital Development in Meghalaya’ in which Don Bosco Tech is an implementing partner to impart skill training in service sectors to the unemployed youth of Meghalaya. Don Bosco Tech made an attempt to provide placement of trained candidates in different domains, who have not taken-up any placement opportunity due to various reasons and also conducted a mobilization drive.
Providing a young person with the opportunity for a job directs a path to a fulfilling career. Govt of Meghalaya is helping the youth with youth empowerment programs like SHCDM in different market-driven and native trades. As a responsible implementing agency, we are building on that success with a pledge to impart skill training to 7000 young people with employment opportunities. Together, we are opening new doors of possibilities for the next generation.
Skills development is now a national priority and India has a long way to go in realizing the benefits of its demographic dividend. As a leader in the skill development sector, Don Bosco Tech always gives a platform to launch underprivileged youth into the dignified and bright future they deserve.