Nepal's Hospitality Sector Pushes for Enhanced Apprenticeship Programs to Bridge Skill Gap

Nepal's burgeoning hospitality sector is actively campaigning for a significant overhaul and expansion of its apprenticeship programs, aiming to address the critical shortage of skilled manpower and bolster the industry's long-term growth. In a pivotal policy dialogue organized by the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), key stakeholders convened to strategize on making apprenticeship initiatives more robust, systematic, and effective. The event, chaired by HAN President Binayak Shah, brought together influential figures from the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), provincial government, academic institutions, and leading hotels, underscoring a unified commitment to human capital development.

President Shah emphasized the escalating demand for skilled professionals, a direct consequence of the rapid expansion within Nepal's hotel and hospitality landscape. He highlighted the indispensable role of apprenticeship programs in cultivating a workforce that meets industry-specific needs. A central demand emerging from the dialogue was the immediate introduction of diploma-level apprenticeship programs, alongside a substantial increase in the existing quotas for pre-diploma apprenticeships. Furthermore, Shah advocated for allowing private sector educational institutions to affiliate with these programs, believing this would significantly enhance their reach and impact. He also called for the effective implementation of Rule 16(a) of the CTEVT Regulations 2083, which empowers industries to operate their own apprenticeship schemes, thereby fostering greater industry involvement and ownership. In a commendable initiative, Shah announced plans to provide employment opportunities in the hotel industry for 19 industrial trainees from the Post Bahadur Bogati Polytechnic Institute in Nuwakot, particularly focusing on students from disaster-affected regions, linking skill development directly to job creation.

Echoing President Shah's sentiments, HAN General Secretary Sajan Shakya reiterated the urgent need to expand apprenticeship quotas to keep pace with the industry's burgeoning requirements. Shakya proudly recounted HAN's four-year engagement with apprenticeship programs, facilitating crucial placements for trainees in hotels to hone their skills. He stressed the importance of creating an environment where private sector entities can seamlessly operate such programs, leveraging their expertise and resources.

The dialogue also shed light on practical challenges and proposed solutions. Vishnu Shrestha, HR Head at Hotel Himalaya, observed that while trainees often express interest in diverse roles, they frequently lack the specialized skills required for specific disciplines, leading to operational hurdles. He underscored the necessity for regular evaluation and monitoring of apprentices by their respective educational institutions to ensure consistent skill development and program efficacy. Mohan Katuwal, Vice President of the Federation of Small and Cottage Industries, lauded the mutual benefits of apprenticeship programs for both industries and trainees, transforming students into skilled and employable individuals. He urged the government to ensure that apprentices who successfully complete their training are guaranteed at least two years of employment within the industry, fostering stability and career progression. Katuwal also highlighted the formation of a TVET Council, designed to provide essential advice and recommendations to the government, advocating for more practical and flexible policies and regulations to optimize apprenticeship outcomes.

The open session of the program featured insightful contributions from academic leaders and industry professionals, including Dr. Jeevak Bajracharya (Dean, GATE College), Samjhana Basnyat (Principal, IST College), Rohit Dahal (Principal, Nepal Banepa Polytechnic Institute), Aabha Shah (Managing Director, Silver Mountain School), Aslesha Karki (HAN Executive Committee Member), Narayan Paudel (HR Head, Everest Hotel), Amir Pradhanang (General Manager, Hotel Mulberry), and Niraj Pudasaini (Principal, Madan Ashrit Memorial Polytechnic Institute). Their discussions covered the current state, challenges, and potential improvements for apprenticeship programs, enriching the policy discourse.

Khubiram Adhikari, Secretary of the Bagmati Province Social Development Ministry, acknowledged the growing industrial demand in the hospitality sector and pledged to increase the current quota of 100 apprentices in the coming days. He affirmed the provincial government's substantial investment in education and emphasized the importance of private sector collaboration to ensure the robustness, systematic implementation, and long-term sustainability of apprenticeship initiatives. Anoj Bhattarai, Acting Member-Secretary of CTEVT, commended HAN's significant contributions to the sector and highlighted the critical role of the private sector in the successful execution of apprenticeship programs. He further informed participants that the process of amending necessary regulations to enhance program effectiveness is underway, with preparations to launch diploma-level apprenticeship courses in the near future.

This comprehensive policy dialogue has successfully forged a shared vision among government bodies, technical education providers, the private sector, and hotel businesses. The collective aim is to strengthen collaboration, expand apprenticeship opportunities, and ensure the long-term, effective operation of programs designed to produce a highly skilled and job-ready workforce for Nepal's vibrant hospitality industry. This strategic focus on human capital development is not merely an operational necessity but a crucial investment in the nation's economic future, promising enhanced service quality, increased competitiveness, and sustainable growth for a sector vital to Nepal's prosperity.