It’s crucial to channelise young population’s energy in right direction: CM
Shillong, May 22: In a significant step towards preparing the state’s youth with globally employable skills, a training on German language has been launched at Shillong Technology Park at Umsawli.
The “German Language Training Programme for Overseas Placement” is being organised by Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) in collaboration with Indie Talent and 2Coms Group.
Addressing the occasion, chief minister Conrad K Sangma emphasised the importance of such programmes in paving the way for international career pathways for the youth.
Pointing out that young population is the greatest asset, he said it is crucial to channelise their energy in the right direction.
He also underscored the importance of the programme due to rising demand and need for young people in the job market.
“The government will continue to support opportunities like these,” he said while appreciating the support of German Embassy, Government of India, and organisations like MSSDS.
The newly launched German language training is designed to not only equip the youth with language and communication skills but also foster a deeper understanding into the culture of the country, and promote cross-country, cross-cultural collaboration.
The participants will undergo intensive six months training to prepare them for linguistic and cultural nuances of working in Germany.
There are a total of 30 potential nursing candidates who will be travelling to Germany on completion of the language training programme.
Ms Andrea Jeske, Deputy Consul General, Kolkata Consulate highlighted that the initiative marks the beginning of life-changing journeys for the inaugural cohort of over nurses, selected for their dedication and potential.
“These nurses will undergo advanced German language training and develop intercultural competencies to work in Germany’s healthcare system, addressing the country’s shortage of skilled professionals,” she said.
She noted Germany’s projected need for seven million additional skilled workers by 2035, driven by an aging population and declining birth rates, emphasising the importance of international partnerships.
Jeske acknowledged India, particularly Meghalaya, as a valued partner with a pool of qualified professionals.
Jan Ebben, Country Director General, People2Help, Germany stated that India has a demographic dividend with a superb resource of talent of young people that are full of aspirations.
He termed the youth especially the selected nursing candidates of Meghalaya as having not only material motivation but also expressing strong service orientation.
Ebben also noted that the team at People2Help will be working together alongside the candidates to make it all work including language training, and visa processes making it an experience of a lifetime.
Holger Lange, founder & CEO, People2Help emphasized that the goal is not only to equip candidates with professional and language skills but also to make them feel safe, welcome, and supported in Germany.
He said the Shillong centre for future nursing professionals is a significant step toward their goal of achieving B2-level German proficiency, required to work as recognised nurses in Germany.
He also stressed that language is the key to success, as speaking German enables candidates to express themselves, participate fully in their jobs and communities, and build confidence, independence, and social connections.
This programme follows on the heels of earlier success of overseas placement organized by the MSSDS where in a total of 45 nurses from Meghalaya began their journey to Japan and Singapore, out of which 27 nurses were sent to Japan in 2024 following completion of the Japanese language training under the ‘Skills Meghalaya’ scheme.
