Shillong, May 22 : In another significant stride to enhance employment opportunities for the youth of Meghalaya globally, the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) in collaboration with Indie Talent, and 2Coms Group launched the German Language Training Programme for Overseas Placement at the Shillong Technology Park, Umsawli.
Conrad K Sangma, Chief Minister emphasized on the importance of such programs in paving the way for international career pathways for the youth. In his address he stated that the young population are the greatest asset, hence it is crucial to channelize the energy in the right direction. He termed the programme as super important to both the state and the country with the aim to connect with the international market because of the rising demand and need for young people. “The government will continue to support opportunities like these. I would like to thank the German Embassy, government of India as well as organizations like MSSDS who are actually making all of these initiatives happen and to all of you present here for believing in this entire thought. This is a great achievement,” he said. Calling them an important part of the story in building the relationship between India and Germany, he urged the young candidates to not give up on opportunities such as these and to work towards overcoming any challenges that may come in life, to keep moving forward with the support of their families and the government.
The newly launched German Language Training Programme 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 (6) 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.
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 noted Germany’s projected need for seven million additional skilled workers by 2035, driven by an aging population and declining birth rates, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships. She acknowledged India, particularly Meghalaya, as a valued partner with a pool of qualified professionals. She described the program as a testament to shared ambitions in education, global career opportunities, and skill exchange. To the nurses, she extended Germany’s welcome, praising their professional skills, compassion, and cultural insight, and wished them success on their transformative journey.
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. Jan 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. To the nursing candidates he encouraged them to take the opportunity and utilize it to be able to have a proper life, and have enough remittance to send back home to develop their families and communities.
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. Mr. Holger expressed pride in opening the Shillong centre for future nursing professionals, a significant step toward their goal of achieving B2-level German proficiency, required to work as recognized 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. He concluded by thanking them for their trust and commitment, pledging to support them step by step and wishing them success, while also acknowledging his colleagues’ contributions.
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 the completion of the Japanese language training under the ‘Skills Meghalaya’ scheme. This demonstrates that language training is an important aspect in enabling the youth to gain employment opportunities outside the state and the country.
