SHILLONG, May 22: The Meghalaya government on Thursday launched the ‘German Language Training Programme’ for nursing candidates, paving the way for placement in Germany’s healthcare sector.
Twenty young candidates have been selected for the training. The Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) took up this initiative in collaboration with Indie Talent and 2Coms Group.
Inaugurating the programme at the Shillong Technology Park, Umsawli, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said it is a “super important” initiative that will connect Meghalaya’s youths to global job markets.
“Our young population is our greatest asset. Such initiatives channel their potential in the right direction,” he said, adding that this is not just a milestone for Meghalaya but a proud moment for the entire India.
Taking to X later, he wrote, “…This programme is more than just language training, it’s a gateway to global careers. With a large, talented, and ambitious youth population, Meghalaya is well-positioned to benefit from such international collaborations. These opportunities not only help our young professionals gain valuable international experience but also uplift entire families and communities through enhanced livelihoods.”
The six-month programme aims to equip participants with B2-level proficiency in the German language, along with cultural orientation, to help them integrate smoothly into Germany’s healthcare system—a sector facing an acute shortage of skilled workers.
Representing the German government, Andrea Jeske, Deputy Consul General at the Kolkata Consulate, said this cohort marks the beginning of “life-changing journeys.”
She highlighted Germany’s need for over seven million skilled professionals by 2035, and lauded India, especially Meghalaya, for its potential in bridging that gap. “We see these young nurses not only as healthcare professionals but as ambassadors of cultural understanding,” she said.
Jan Ebben, Country Director General of People2Help, Germany, acknowledged the passion and service-driven mindset of Meghalaya’s youths. “You have a rare combination of motivation and compassion. Use this opportunity to build a better life—for yourselves and your communities,” he urged the candidates.
The programme is built on MSSDS’s earlier success under the ‘Skills Meghalaya’ scheme that saw 45 nurses placed overseas, including 27 in Japan, after completing intensive Japanese language training. The growing trend demonstrates how strategic language learning is becoming a vital key to unlocking international opportunities for Meghalaya’s youths.
