"The Meghalaya State Skill Development Society has decided to fix a target of 5000 youths to be trained and placed over the next three years," K N Kumar, Community and Rural Development principal secretary said, while inaugurating an IL&FS Institute of Skills-Shillong, here.
The target was set by the government in view of the success of the skill development centre set up by the state government with a private skill provider.
Till date 2137 youths were trained at five skill schools which were set up in collaboration with the IL&FS, the private skill provider.
Over 1500 youths were given placement offers by various companies across the country, Kumar said.
Chief Secretary W M S Pariat said "We used to have the best masons, the best cobblers and the best carpenters.
"Over the years we have lost our pride in masonry. Shillong was known for the best leather boots and the best Chinese furniture," he said adding that the youth still possess those 'innate' qualities.
Skill development is one of the projects funded by the Asian Development Bank in Meghalaya.
More than 30,000 unemployed educated youths were registered in the Meghalaya Employment Exchange till March 31.