May 1, 2025 | Tundikhel, Kathmandu
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is set to kick off its second annual Skill Fair 2025 on Jestha 07, 2082 (i.e. May 21 2025) at Tundikhel, aiming to equip 2,082 individuals with employment-oriented training.
Announced by Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) on International Labour Day, the initiative underscores KMC’s commitment to bridging Nepal’s skilled labor gap and curbing workforce migration by fostering domestic opportunities.
Program Overview
The 30-day fair, part of KMC’s flagship program “Employment and Income Growth, Prosperous Kathmandu” launched in fiscal year 2023/24, targets training 15,000 youths over its lifespan, with a goal to engage at least 5,000 in jobs or self-employment. This year’s edition will offer instruction across 30 professions in 10 sectors, including technology, construction, and hospitality, tailored to market demands identified through labor research.
Building on Past Success
Last year’s inaugural fair saw overwhelming interest, with 68,866 applicants vying for training. Despite an initial target of 2,081 trainees, KMC expanded access to 2,575 individuals. Mayor Shah reported that over 50% of participants secured employment or started businesses, with ongoing efforts to place others through industry partnerships and on-the-job training. “Our focus is not just on training but ensuring tangible outcomes,” Shah emphasized on Facebook.
Priority Groups and Structure
This year’s fair prioritizes marginalized groups, including last year’s waitlisted applicants, residents of sanitary landfill-affected areas, differently-abled individuals, street vendors, and Kathmandu residents. Open to all Nepali citizens aged 18–58, the training will feature 60 daily sessions over 30 days, blending skill development with practical linkages between education, labor, and production.
Post-Fair Initiatives
A two-day Post Fair will conclude the event, featuring certificate distribution, a graduation ceremony, and networking programs connecting trainees with industries. “By transforming informal, unskilled workers into the formal sector, we aim to boost incomes and productivity,” Shah stated, highlighting efforts to align training with market needs.
Addressing Labor Migration
With many youths seeking overseas jobs due to limited local opportunities, KMC’s initiative seeks to reverse this trend by showcasing Nepal’s untapped potential. “Skilled manpower is key to national growth,” Shah noted, urging citizens to leverage the fair’s free training to secure sustainable livelihoods.
As Kathmandu gears up for the Skill Fair, the event symbolizes a critical step toward inclusive economic growth, aligning education with industry demands and empowering citizens to thrive within their communities.
For registration details, visit KMC’s official platforms or attend the launch at Tundikhel.
