High in the Himalayas, Bhutan is calling on the world’s experts to help shape its future. From carpentry to creative arts, digital marketing to smart agriculture, and filmmaking to performing arts, the kingdom’s bold training programme is as varied and vibrant as its mountain landscapes.
Tucked away between snow-capped peaks and forested valleys, Bhutan often feels like a place from another time. Here, the flutter of prayer flags and the low hum of monastic chants shape the soundtrack of everyday life. Yet, beneath this serene beauty, the kingdom is quietly charting a bold course—one that welcomes the world to help nurture its next generation.
At the centre of this transformation is the De-Suung Skilling Programme (DSP), launched under the vision of His Majesty The King of Bhutan. More than a vocational training scheme, DSP is a national movement—an invitation to the global community to become part of Bhutan’s evolving story.
A Nation’s Commitment to Its Youth
Since its inception in 2021, the DSP has grown into one of the world’s largest paid training programmes, now spanning more than 157 disciplines. From the remote valleys of Haa to the vibrant streets of Thimphu, thousands of young Bhutanese—many graduates of the kingdom’s signature De-Suung Training Programme, which instils civic responsibility and volunteerism—are gaining practical skills to build their futures.
The mission is simple but transformative: to empower young Bhutanese with skills, confidence, and economic opportunities. What makes it unique is Bhutan’s outward-looking approach. Rather than limiting itself to domestic expertise, the kingdom is opening its doors to international trainers, inviting them to share their craft, mentor emerging talent, and spark cross-cultural exchanges rarely found elsewhere.
Trainers Wanted — And Welcomed
The breadth of disciplines covered is impressive. From creative arts to smart agriculture, from digital marketing to carpentry, and from video production to performing arts, the programme is as diverse as Bhutan’s own landscapes. Imagine guiding young chefs through the art of international cuisine over cups of butter tea, or teaching woodworking with the Himalayas as your backdrop.
Trainers are currently needed across fields such as tourism, hospitality, spa and wellness, organic farming, floriculture, ICT, and beyond. Have a skill not listed? The programme welcomes proposals for new disciplines, making it an open canvas for specialists from all walks of life.
But DSP is about more than just technical instruction. Trainers become mentors, role models, and catalysts for the next generation of Bhutanese professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
VISIT BHUTAN
Bhutan slashes tourism levy to unlock the last Himalayan kingdo
Bhutan entices travellers to its Himalayan realm by cutting the daily Sustainable Development Fee to USD 100/person/night, down from USD 200, as announced by the Royal Government of Bhutan.
>> Full story
A Deeply Immersive Experience
For trainers, the programme is as much about personal growth as it is about teaching. Participants receive fully furnished accommodation, a monthly stipend (USD 800 to 2,000), round-trip airfare, visa assistance, and exemption from Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee, which is typically mandatory for visitors.
What sets this programme apart is the flexibility to explore Bhutan’s rich cultural and natural heritage while contributing meaningfully. Between sessions, trainers can trek sacred mountain passes, visit centuries-old monasteries, attend colourful festivals, and sample Bhutan’s culinary delights.
The DSP offers a rare blend of voluntourism, professional exchange, and cultural immersion—not just a job, but an experience.
Who Should Apply?
The call is open to experienced professionals, whether mid-career experts seeking purposeful sabbaticals, retirees looking to give back, or passionate mentors eager to make a difference. Applicants should have recognised qualifications, relevant industry experience, and fluency in English, the programme’s medium of instruction. Just as important is an openness to Bhutan’s way of life and a willingness to engage deeply with the community.
A Generation in the Making
Since its royal inauguration, DSP has trained thousands of Bhutanese, helping to seed new businesses, power local enterprises, and strengthen the nation’s grassroots economy. Many graduates have gone on to apply their skills through incubation schemes, community projects, and entrepreneurial ventures.
“This initiative is more than just training,” says Dasho Tashi Dorji, Chairperson of DSP. “It’s about shaping futures, fostering resilience, and creating a generation of skilled, confident youth ready to build Bhutan’s future. For trainers, it is also an unparalleled opportunity to experience the country’s beauty, culture, and spirit while leaving a meaningful legacy.”
For Bhutan, this is about more than skills — it is about safeguarding traditions, empowering its people, and preparing for a changing world without losing its soul. For the trainers, this isn’t just a chance to witness Bhutan, but to help shape it.
How to Get Involved
Applications for trainers are open until August 2025. For more information or to apply, visit dsp.org.bt. Media inquiries: dspexpertrecruitment@gmail.com.
