Kelzang Wangchuk | Samdrupjongkhar

Deki Lhadon, 25, having completed a month-long training on western garment tailoring, plans to open a tailoring shop at Samdrupcholing in Samdrupjongkhar.

She is one of 20 tailors from Samdrupjongkhar town, Samdrupcholing, Jomotshangkha, Dewathang, and Gomdar, who underwent a training on tailoring western garments, such as four- and six-pocket uniforms.

Deki Lhadon said she has had to work for others until now. “With the skills I learnt, I will open my own tailoring shop.”

She expects the business to do well, as more projects are coming to Samdrupcholing. “I also hope that the government and Ministry of Labour and Human Resources (MoLHR) will provide us with the necessary support.”

The training that started on November 13 was conducted in Samdrupjongkhar to boost the tailoring skills of those in the business.

The trainer, Tshering Wangchuk, said Bhutanese tailors do not have experience stitching the uniforms for armed forces and others. “Most of the four- and six-pocket uniforms were stitched outside Bhutan before.”

According to the participants, they can now participate in quoting for uniform tailoring for the armed forces, Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC), forestry divisions, De-Suung, and security service firms after obtaining a valid license.

The regional labour director, Karma Choeda, said the training was conducted to enhance the quality of tailoring and provide opportunities that meet the industry’s skills, because it’s challenging to get jobs without skills.

He said the office will provide Nu 5,000 a month for a year if the tailoring shop owners recruit someone, and Nu 5,000 a month for six months if they start the business in the group.

Karma Choeda said that the regional labour office, in collaboration with the ministry, will also conduct advanced cooking and baking training, as well as gho tailoring.

The regional labour office and the Fashion Institute of Technology in Thimphu conducted the programme in collaboration with the MoLHR. The Government of India funded the programme that ended on December 11.