Youth Enterprise Builds Opportunities in Paro
DAWA ZANGMO | Paro
Youth Hollow Blocks, a concrete brick and hollow block manufacturing unit based in Paro, has been supplying construction materials to various dzongkhags, including Thimphu and Chukha, since its establishment in June 2024.
The enterprise was founded with the objective of creating employment opportunities for unemployed youth, particularly those with no prior skills or work experience, while also contributing to the local construction industry by reducing dependence on imported building materials.
According to Gyem Dorji, founder of Youth Hollow Blocks, the initiative was launched to support modern construction needs and to provide quality bricks and hollow blocks at affordable prices.
“The idea was to create jobs for young people who have no technical background and, at the same time, produce reliable construction materials that can replace imports from India,” he said.
The company currently manufactures standard bricks and hollow blocks, with the latter particularly the 6×8×8-inch size being in higher demand due to their strength, cost-efficiency and growing use in building projects.
The early phase of the business, however, was not without challenges. Gyem Dorji said the main difficulties included limited start-up capital, maintaining a steady supply of raw materials and competing in an already active market.
“Managing finances and ensuring consistent access to materials was challenging in the beginning, and establishing a presence in the market took time,” he said.
The initial investment was raised through personal savings and financial support from family members. From last year, the company also began receiving assistance under the Youth Employment and Livelihood Programme (YELP) of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, particularly to support worker wages.
Despite the constraints, the business has gradually built a stable customer base, mainly comprising construction companies and private individuals.
The founder said demand has increased steadily with the rise in construction activities and growing awareness about the durability and economic advantages of hollow blocks.
Customer satisfaction and repeat orders have also played a role in strengthening the company’s market presence. Quality control, he added, is maintained through the use of correct material proportions and careful production processes, which has resulted in positive feedback from clients.
At present, the factory employs two workers. Last year, the workforce included four employees, three of whom were young people without prior skills or experience.
“Our aim has always been to provide opportunities to unskilled youth and help them gain practical experience,” said by Gyem Dorji.
Looking ahead, he said the company is exploring ways to reduce operational costs by negotiating better prices for raw materials and seeking loans to purchase a tipper truck to improve transportation efficiency.
Sharing advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, the founder emphasized the importance of clarity of purpose and perseverance.
“Young people should begin with a clear vision, be patient and stay committed. Continuous learning and building relationships with people at all levels, including blue-collar workers, are also essential,” he said.
Among the employees is 47 years old Namgay Wangchuk, who has been working at Youth Hollow Blocks for the past six months as a machine operator. He said the job has enabled him to support his family while acquiring hands-on technical skills.
Although operating the block-making machinery was initially difficult, he said the learning process has been rewarding. His daily responsibilities include running the machines, managing raw materials and supervising the drying process, which takes nearly a week for the blocks to fully set.
Namgay Wangchuk also highlighted the importance of workplace safety, noting that protective boots, body safety equipment and precautions while handling electrical systems are mandatory.
He described the working environment as organized and said the management maintains a supportive relationship with workers.
Expressing pride in his work, he said producing hollow blocks used in construction projects gives him a sense of contribution and he hopes for stable employment and long-term career growth in the manufacturing sector.
Another employee, 23-year-old Sandip Rai, who is also a machine operator, has been with the company for about six months.
As the youngest worker in the unit, he said the job has helped him gain valuable technical knowledge, particularly in operating machinery.
He is involved in the full production cycle, including machine operation, material handling and monitoring the curing and drying of the blocks.
Looking to the future, he expressed hope that the manufacturing and construction sector would continue to create employment opportunities for young people and said he aims to further develop his skills in the coming years.
With its focus on quality production, youth employment and local supply of construction materials, Youth Hollow Blocks continues to expand its role in supporting infrastructure development and job creation.
