Kathmandu Skill Fair 2025: Free Job Skills Training & Employment Opportunities for Youth
3rd May 2025, Kathmandu
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City is set to launch the second edition of the ‘Skill Fair 2082’ from Jestha 7 (May 21, 2025). This year’s event will take place at Tundikhel, similar to last year.
Kathmandu Skill Fair 2025
Targeting 2,082 Trainees
Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) announced that the fair aims to train 2,082 youths in practical skills. The goal is to create a skilled workforce that supports job creation, boosts productivity, and contributes to economic growth.
A Vision for Prosperity
The Skill Fair is part of Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s broader campaign called ‘Employment and Income Growth for Kathmandu’s Prosperity’. Launched in fiscal year 2080/81, this program focuses on skill development as a tool to reduce unemployment and encourage self-employment.
Path from Skill to Employment
The fair has a three-step vision:
Connect education with skill,
Link skill with labor,
Align labor with production.
KMC plans to support those who lack formal training and upgrade those with basic skills. Trained individuals will be guided toward job placements or self-employment.
Strong Response in First Edition
The first Skill Fair began on Labor Day 2081 at the same venue. Over 68,000 people applied for training. Eventually, 2,575 received hands-on skill development. Due to this strong response, Kathmandu Metropolitan City decided to organize a second edition.
Special Focus on Marginalized Groups
This year, the program gives priority to:
Residents of landfill site-affected areas,
Persons with disabilities,
Former street vendors and cart operators,
Applicants from last year who missed the training.
Only residents of Kathmandu—either permanent or temporary—can apply.
Training in 30 Occupations
The fair will offer training in 30 different professions under 10 skill sectors. These fields are selected based on current market and industry demand.
According to Sarita Rai, head of Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s Environment Management Department, this ensures the training leads to real job opportunities.
On-the-Job Training Option
In addition to classroom learning, Kathmandu Metropolitan City is partnering with local companies to offer on-the-job training. This helps trainees gain real experience and improve their chances of getting hired.
Encouraging Local Employment
Mayor Shah stressed that Nepal has many untapped job opportunities. However, a lack of practical skills pushes many youth to seek work abroad. Through this fair, Kathmandu Metropolitan City hopes to reverse that trend by creating local jobs.
Conclusion
The second ‘Skill Fair 2082’ is more than a training event. It is part of a movement to formalize the labor force and uplift the economy. With focused training, practical exposure, and market-relevant skills, Kathmandu Metropolitan City is working to empower its youth for a more prosperous future.
For more: Kathmandu Skill Fair 2025
