In a move set to reshape the construction and home improvement landscape, the Department of Labour (DoL) has unveiled the Community for Skilled Workers (C4SW), a pioneering initiative that connects homeowners and builders with certified local electricians and plumbers. The new platform, launched alongside a comprehensive website, constitution, and bylaws, promises not only competitive pricing but also enhanced quality and service guarantees.
For many years, homeowners have favored expatriate workers for tasks such as house wiring and plumbing installations—believing that foreign expertise equated to better quality and lower costs. However, critics argue that this reliance on expatriate labour has masked the untapped potential of local skilled workers and inadvertently impacted the broader economy. C4SW aims to change that dynamic by offering a reliable and accountable alternative that champions the talents of locally trained tradespeople.
Empowering TVET Graduates and Skilled Workers
At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to provide employment opportunities for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates who often struggle to find work in their chosen fields. “TVET graduates are typically employed in other areas that have nothing to do with their field or are left in the cold and demoralised,” said Khamsum Yugyel Geley, chairman of C4SW. “We will be treating TVET graduates well from now, registering them as members and enabling them to benefit from the C4SW.”
The platform is seen as a long-awaited boon for local tradesmen who, until now, have largely worked in the shadows of their foreign counterparts. With 216 registered members—185 of whom are certified—C4SW’s network includes 117 electricians and 68 plumbers, reflecting a significant pool of talent ready to take on both residential and high-grade commercial projects.
Quality Assurance and Accountability
One standout feature of the C4SW initiative is its strict quality control measures. As part of the membership agreement, homebuilders must provide a six-month service guarantee, ensuring that clients receive ongoing quality assurance and accountability. “We are providing our people with a platform to showcase their talent, and we also take risks in what we are doing,” said Nim Dorji, a C4SW member. “Our membership card for C4SW will help build their professional reputation and credibility.”
Members also express a growing confidence that local expertise can rival—and even surpass—that of foreign workers, especially in high-end projects. “Bhutanese need to recognise and appreciate the potential of our own people. Local skilled workers need to be given the same opportunity as foreign labour,” stated Ugyen Phuntsho, an electrician with C4SW, a sentiment echoed by plumber Sonam Phuntsho.
Future Prospects and Financial Challenges
Looking ahead, DoL officials reveal that while the initial focus is on electrical and plumbing services, plans are already in motion to expand into other trades and skills. “Those who are already experienced are invited to obtain Recognition of Prior Learning Certification, making their recognition more formal and competitive,” one official explained. They also stressed the importance of upskilling and reskilling to keep pace with evolving technologies and to maintain high standards of service.
Despite its promising start—having completed 14 projects, employed 261 workers across 133 sites, and generated more than Nu 55 million in earnings—the initiative faces financial hurdles. Members of C4SW have noted that the absence of a revolving fund has posed operational and expansion challenges. “Give us a chance, and we will prove the value of our work. I urge people not to dismiss us; we need encouragement, not disregard,” pleaded Nim Dorji, who also called on the government for financial support to sustain and grow the network.
As C4SW continues to gain momentum, it symbolizes a transformative opportunity for local skilled workers. By providing a platform that emphasizes certification, quality assurance, and professional growth, the initiative may well herald a new era where local talent is not only recognised but celebrated.
