Shillong: With an eye on global employment opportunities, Meghalaya is ramping up efforts to equip its youth with the skills necessary to work overseas.
The state aims to facilitate international placements for at least 500 to 1,000 candidates over the next two years, particularly in the healthcare sector, through a combination of language training, cultural orientation, and specialized skill development.
Spearheaded by the Meghalaya State Skills Development Society (MSSDS), the initiative began in March 2023 with the launch of “Mission Moon” — a programme focused on preparing nurses and caregivers from the state for placements in countries facing acute shortages of healthcare professionals.
According to estimates shared by MSSDS, the global demand for nurses stands at over 13 million, a gap that presents an unprecedented opportunity for Meghalaya’s youth.
Recognizing this, the state government threw its weight behind the programme, with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma approving financial support of Rs. 50,000 per candidate to help cover the cost of preparatory training.
“This programme is about creating real global pathways for our young professionals,” an MSSDS official said, highlighting the need to recalibrate local skill development programs in line with international industry standards.
In partnership with the state’s Health and Family Welfare Department, MSSDS identified over 1,000 registered nurses awaiting placements in Meghalaya.
This pool of qualified professionals became the focus of a series of consultations and strategy meetings aimed at aligning training with the requirements of international employers.
As a result of these efforts, 61 candidates have already secured placements in Japan and Singapore, while around 30 others are currently undergoing language training to qualify for opportunities in Germany.
The turning point came in August 2023, with the hosting of the Overseas Nursing Job Fair.
The event brought together aspiring healthcare professionals and international recruitment agencies, creating direct access to overseas employment opportunities.
The success of the job fair sparked a wave of interest, extending beyond healthcare to other sectors.
Building on this momentum, MSSDS, in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation International (NSDCI), organised the Overseas Job Fair 2024.
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The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from young people across various sectors, though healthcare remained the most sought-after industry.
The Overseas Job Fair 2024 has laid the groundwork for Meghalaya’s skilled workforce to find its footing on the international stage.
As demand for skilled manpower continues to rise worldwide, initiatives like “Mission Moon” are positioning Meghalaya as a key contributor to the global workforce.
Officials said this is just the beginning of a long-term strategy to integrate the state’s youth into the international job market — a move expected to yield both economic and social dividends for Meghalaya in the years to come.
