Meghalaya’s students, eager to pursue education and careers abroad, are struggling to clear the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), a critical prerequisite for international opportunities.
Health Minister Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh noted that despite their fluency in English, many students face challenges meeting the rigorous standards of the test, which limits their ability to secure jobs in fields like nursing, hospitality, and paramedical professions.
Talking to Mediapersosn in Shillong, the Health Minister said,“A lot of the manpower that we have from Meghalaya, which is skilled in various fields, need to clear the examinations required by foreign countries. Despite being fluent in English, many cannot clear these tests, including TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).”
“These exams, often conducted online, pose challenges such as responding to queries in a heavily accented British or Irish English. This makes it difficult for many students to transcribe audio notes and answer questions accurately,” Dr. Lyngdoh stated.
To address this issue, the state government plans to establish skill labs in key districts like Shillong, Tura, and Nongstoin, focusing on language training as an integral part of skill development.
“We are now working on creating skill labs in collaboration with the departments of skill and labour,” she explained.
“These labs will provide technical and language training for professionals, including engineers, doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff, enabling them to meet the requirements of foreign employers,” The Minister added.
The initiative will also include training in foreign languages such as Korean and Japanese, preparing students for opportunities in countries like Korea, Japan, England, and Singapore, which are facing labor shortages. “A skill lab in Meghalaya will help students acquire additional qualifications. With these resources available locally, students can avoid the high costs of living in metro cities while gaining the necessary skills to succeed abroad,” Dr. Lyngdoh said.
Highlighting the broader impact of the program, Dr. Lyngdoh emphasized, “A mere nursing or MBBS certificate is no longer sufficient. Candidates must also meet additional requirements, including language proficiency, to secure jobs in global markets. These skill labs will ensure our students and citizens are well-equipped to compete internationally.”