As part of the State's mandate to skill, employ, and empower Naga youth while addressing existing employment gaps, the Nagaland Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM), under IDAN, Government of Nagaland, has initiated a Heavy Vehicle Operation and Machinery Training Programme in collaboration with the Modern Mechanical and Workshop Training Centre (MMWTC), PWD, Government of Nagaland, located at Shokuvi, Chümoukedima.
The first phase of training under this sector covered 45 candidates from various districts of Nagaland and offered specialised courses including Backhoe Loader Operator, Track Excavator Operator, Tipper Truck Driver, Tandem Road Roller Operator, and Heavy Machinery Mechanic. The duration of the courses ranged from one to two months, combining structured classroom instruction with hands-on practical exposure
The certification programme was held on 18th December, 2025 at the Modern Mechanical and Workshop Training Centre (MMWTC), Shokuvi, Chümoukedima.
Speaking at the certification programme, Meripeni, Project Lead, NSEDM-IDAN, expressed appreciation to the Mechanical Department, PWD, Government of Nagaland, for enabling the use of infrastructure and training facilities. She noted that accessing similar facilities through private or third-party entities would have involved significantly higher costs. She highlighted that this initiative is the first of its kind in Nagaland, aimed at building a strong pool of local manpower in the heavy vehicle and machinery sector.
The Project Lead further shared that a series of consultations were held with various stakeholders, which highlighted a considerable shortage of local manpower in this field. The programme was therefore conceptualised to upskill Naga youth and enable them to capture opportunities within the sector, while simultaneously addressing unemployment. She also underscored that while challenges exist within government systems, there are dedicated efforts being undertaken to bridge critical gaps, one of which led to the establishment of NSEDM-IDAN, Government of Nagaland, to address unemployment through targeted skilling interventions.
Addressing the candidates, the Project Lead emphasised that while the Government is making concerted efforts to create pathways and opportunities, sustained success depends on the candidates’ own commitment to discipline, sincerity, confidence, and work ethics. She encouraged the trainees to take responsibility for their professional growth, proactively seek work opportunities, and make effective use of both formal and informal networks, including digital platforms.
Candidates who completed the two-month training shared positive feedback, stating that they thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience. Several trainees reflected on how their earlier understanding of heavy machinery was limited to only “JCB” operations, and how the programme broadened their technical exposure. Many also shared that operating heavy vehicles and machinery had been a long-standing aspiration, and the training enabled them to realise this ambition.
The Chief Engineer, Mechanical Department, PWD, Government of Nagaland, in his address, acknowledged the Mission’s financial and moral support, which enabled the launch of this initiative. He encouraged the candidates to uphold discipline, sincerity, and hard work in both government and private sectors, stating that discipline remains the foundation of long-term success. He appreciated the efforts of the NSEDM team and the trainers from MMWTC, for ensuring the successful implementation of this programme.
Certificates were formally awarded to the trainees by the Chief Engineer, Mechanical Department, PWD, along with the Project Lead, NSEDM-IDAN.
During the programme, candidates also shared testimonials reflecting their learning journeys. One trainee shared that despite having no prior knowledge of heavy machinery, the training environment and practical exposure enabled effective learning and skill development. Another trainee recounted his journey after graduation, including working outside the state due to limited opportunities, and expressed pride in finally receiving formal training in heavy machinery—an ambition he had nurtured since childhood. He shared his aspiration to build a long-term career in this sector, both within and outside Nagaland.
In line with its vision of creating strong employment linkages and accessible platforms, NSEDM-IDAN, appealed to the Nagaland Contractors’ Union and other associations, consortiums, agencies, and companies within the construction sector to actively utilise the services of the trained Naga youth. Stakeholders interested in engaging the trained manpower or seeking further information are encouraged to get in touch through the official NSEDM portal at nsedm.gon@gmail.com.
The training curriculum across all courses comprised theoretical instruction, simulation-based learning, and extensive practical sessions. Certification was awarded following assessments based on discipline, technical knowledge, skill proficiency, and practical performance, ensuring that trainees meet industry-relevant standards.
(DIPR)
