Planning an outdoor makeover would possibly become easier now. Through the Skills Development Programme, the labour ministry for the first time trained eight youth to become landscape designers. Landscape design is the art of planning, arranging and modifying features in a landscape to achieve beautiful outdoor spaces. In the first batch, six of them will further undergo on-the-job training for two months in Thailand.
20-year-old Kinzang Thinley completed high school last year. In his pursuit to get employed after high school, he registered as a job seeker under the Labour Ministry. That is when the ministry selected him for basic landscape training for three months.
“In the first month, we were all lazy. We gradually developed the interest and that is when it got interesting each day. Taking this as an opportunity, after coming back from Thailand, we will not just focus on designing gardens but we are planning to design outdoors for hotels and resorts,” said Kinzang Thinley, a trainee.
Like Kinzang, seven others underwent the training.
“The moment we complete class 12, we don’t know what to do. So, I am thankful to have got this opportunity. Moreover, after returning from Thailand, we will be able to create employment opportunities by setting up our own business,” said Anita Gurung, another trainee.
As part of the three-month training in Bumthang, the eight trainees developed a 3D landscape design for the Chumey Technical Training Institute.
The labour ministry plans to employ the trainers as instructors after their return from Thailand.
“Right now, we do not have landscaping expertise in Bhutan. These trainees after their two months of OJT will return. We are giving them opportunities to hire them as contract trainers in TTIs. And if they want to upscale their skills, we will even provide that,” said Namgay Wangmo, Skills Development Coordinator under the labour ministry.
Meanwhile, during the on-the-job training (OJT) in Thailand, the two companies will provide benefits such as a common apartment for the trainees, monthly allowance and daily allowance and certificates upon successful completion of the training. The companies are Moss Studio Co. Ltd. and Omsuwan Company Ltd in Thailand.
“Some companies have projects in India, Bangladesh and worldwide. So, most of these companies where the trainees will work are international companies in Thailand,” said Venus Pugdeekong, Landscape Designer and Master Trainer.
The master trainer added Bhutan can focus on landscape design to enhance the tourist experience.
The first batch of trainees is expected to leave for Thailand next month.
With the completion of the training, the participants will return with diverse knowledge and experience that will help them earn their livelihood.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Sonam Pem
