More than 500 young people gathered in Phuentshogling for a Regional Job Fair aimed at transforming how youths approach employment and career development.
Organised by the Regional Office of Industry, Commerce and Employment (RoICE), the fair marked the first such event in the border town since the Covid-19 pandemic. The programme brought together job seekers, private companies, colleges, training institutes and civil society organisations under one roof, creating a vibrant space for dialogue and opportunity.
This year’s event was guided by the theme, “Redefining employment narrative from ‘Job Search’ to ‘Career Building’, from passive programme participation to empowered engagement.” Officials said the focus was not merely on filling vacancies but on encouraging young people to take ownership of their professional journeys.
Senior Employment Officer Dil Maya Subba explained that the initiative was designed to broaden perspectives.
“This is not just about recruitment,” she said. “We are introducing participants to tertiary education pathways, civil society organisations and entrepreneurship programmes. It is about exposing them to innovation and helping them see self-employment and enterprise as viable options.”
According to RoICE officials, the fair sought to motivate youths to define clear career goals, enhance their skills and actively explore diverse employment avenues rather than waiting for opportunities to come to them.
Around 20 organisations participated in the event, including private companies and training institutions. Employers welcomed the chance to engage directly with potential candidates.
Tashi Tshering, a manager with Druk Ferro Alloys Ltd, said the platform was particularly beneficial for businesses operating in the southern region. “For the vacancies we announced, we received about 29 applicants. The turnout was encouraging. Hosting the fair in Phuentshogling makes it accessible to youths from the southern districts,” he said.
Karma Chedup, HR Manager of Tashi Beverages Ltd, echoed similar sentiments. He noted that job fairs provide a practical setting for both employers and job seekers. “Such events allow unemployed youths to explore their interests and interact face-to-face with recruiters. It also helps employers assess candidates more effectively based on their skills and experience,” he said.
For many participants, the event served as more than a job-hunting exercise. Several youths said the fair encouraged them to rethink their approach to employment programmes and take more initiative in planning their futures.
By combining recruitment, education and entrepreneurship on a single platform, organisers hope the job fair will inspire a shift in mindset — from short-term job searches to long-term career building.
Officials indicated that similar initiatives could be expanded to other regions to sustain momentum and support young people in navigating an evolving labour market.
