The state of higher education and vocational education and training sectors in Nepal: Implications for graduate work-readiness and sustainable development

This chapter explores the state of the higher education (HE) and vocational education and training (VET) sectors in Nepal through the lens of graduate work-readiness, contending that the concerted impetus on human capital policy must be a priority for the country. It provides a background on labour market conditions. The chapter reviews the structure and development of the education and training systems in the country. It then discusses the work-readiness challenges in specific industry sectors. The chapter also reviews the national policy environment on employment opportunities and work-readiness skills. The main labour market challenge for Nepal comes from the slow pace of economic development associated with political conflicts and natural disasters. The Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), established in 1989, is the national body for the VET sector with the purpose of technical and skilful human resources development. CTVET oversees the technical and senior secondary-level vocational education and training programs.