Nongpoh, July 20: Thirty trainees from Niangbarithem village in Ri Bhoi district were awarded certificates on Monday after successfully completing an eight-month Mason Tiling, Marble, Granite and Stone Training programme aimed at enhancing employability and promoting self-employment among local youth.
The skill development programme was implemented by the Northeast Institute of Professional Studies (NIPS) with financial support from the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) under the Government of Meghalaya.
The initiative forms part of the state’s broader efforts to equip unemployed youth with vocational skills, enabling them to secure jobs in the construction sector or establish their own businesses.
The certificate distribution ceremony was attended by Marba Shangpliang, representative of the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS); Monica Lyngdoh, Head of Centre, Ri Bhoi District; Nibahun Khymdeit, Assistant In-charge; and Sharis Lyngdoh, Rangbah Shnong of Niangbarithem.
Speaking at the programme, Marba Shangpliang congratulated the trainees and urged them to make productive use of the skills they had acquired. She said the state government’s skill development initiatives have opened new opportunities for many young people across Meghalaya by providing quality vocational training free of cost.
She noted that such training programmes would otherwise require significant financial investment if pursued privately, but through the government’s intervention, participants are able to gain professional skills without any training fees.
Shangpliang also highlighted that several beneficiaries of MSSDS programmes have gone on to establish their own businesses or secure employment, demonstrating the positive impact of the state’s skill development initiatives.
The trainees expressed gratitude to the Government of Meghalaya, MSSDS, and the implementing agency for providing them with an opportunity to develop practical skills that they hope will improve their livelihoods and create sustainable employment opportunities.
