Bhutan aims to reduce its youth unemployment rate from the current 17.1% to 5.8% during the 13th Five-Year Plan (FYP), according to the Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), Tashi Wangmo.

One of the key initiatives driving this effort is the Youth Engagement and Livelihood Programme (YELP), which has supported employment for 5,969 youth this year. According to MoICE, the program has engaged over 7,900 youth nationwide through on-the-job training and work experience placements, since its launch in 2019.

The ministry reported that YELP has so far supported 2,076 youth under direct engagement and livelihood support, 1,210 youth through overseas employment, 1,310 youth in the creative industry, and 970 youth from indigenous communities.

YELP was introduced by the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship under MoICE and provides monthly allowances for a year to interns and trainees. Over 1,800 employers have collaborated with the programme, with many eventually offering full-time employment to participants.

The programme also offers internships, engagement support, and special project support. It has expanded to include Persons with Disabilities, overseas returnees, laid-off workers, and individuals in difficult circumstances, including those in conflict with the law. Wage subsidies are revised based on the qualification levels of the participants.

In the first year of the 13th FYP, more than 2,100 youth were engaged under YELP’s three components: Engagement Support, Internship Support, and Special Support. The first two years of YELP under the 13th Plan are being funded through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP).

MoICE Secretary Tashi Wangmo said the government is committed to reducing youth unemployment through targeted interventions. “Everything we plan and implement in the 13th Plan is aimed at lowering youth unemployment and preparing young Bhutanese for the workforce,” she said.

By Entrepreneur Bhutan