Kathmandu – In 2019, Binod Kunwar found himself working in housekeeping in Australia, a stark contrast to his academic qualifications as a computer engineering graduate with a Master’s degree in networking. Despite his strong educational background and relevant certifications, Kunwar struggled to secure a job in the IT sector after sending over 400 applications. The common feedback was a lack of local experience and practical skills, coupled with skepticism about his ability as a Nepali professional to meet industry standards.

Rather than accepting defeat, Kunwar took this challenge as an opportunity to create a solution. He founded Extratech, a Sydney-based IT training and career development institute aimed at bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry-ready skills. Today, Extratech stands as a transformative platform, empowering thousands of Nepali students and professionals to succeed in the competitive IT job market in Australia and beyond.

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The Reality Behind the Degrees: Why Practical Skills Matter

Kunwar’s experience is not unique among international students and immigrants. Many Nepali graduates with impressive academic credentials face difficulties entering the job market abroad due to a lack of hands-on experience and familiarity with local work environments. Employers often prioritize candidates with proven practical skills and local exposure, leaving many talented individuals unemployed or underemployed.

“I had the passion, the degrees, and certifications,” Kunwar recalls, “but employers wanted to see real-world experience, and they doubted if a Nepali could deliver at the required level.”

This gap between theory and practice inspired Kunwar to develop a training program that focuses on learning by doing — building real projects, simulating workplace scenarios, and developing confidence alongside technical knowledge.

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Extratech: A Career-Focused IT Training Hub

Extratech is much more than a typical IT coaching center. It offers a comprehensive, structured curriculum designed to prepare students for immediate employment in high-demand IT fields. The courses cover a wide spectrum of technologies and skills, including:

• Cloud Computing: AWS, Microsoft Azure

• Networking: Cisco CCNA, CompTIA certifications

• System Administration: Linux and Windows Server management

• Cybersecurity: Penetration testing, network security essentials

• Data and Business Analysis

• Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++

• Digital Marketing and SEO

The institute caters to students with varying levels of experience. Beginners without formal IT education can enroll in an 8 to 12-month foundational to advanced skill-building track, while those with academic backgrounds can fast-track their practical readiness in 3 to 4 months.

Kunwar emphasizes, “Our goal is not to teach theory alone but to build job-ready professionals who can confidently handle real workplace challenges.”

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Hands-On Training Led by Industry Experts

Binod Kunwar himself leads core training modules in cloud computing, networking, system administration, and cybersecurity. His teaching philosophy centers on project-based learning — students work on real-world projects, troubleshoot problems, and gain experience that mirrors actual IT job requirements.

This approach ensures that graduates don’t just pass exams but develop the skills employers seek. The program also includes simulated workplace environments to prepare students for the dynamics of IT teams and client interactions.

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Beyond Technical Skills: Career Development and Soft Skills

Extratech recognizes that landing a job requires more than technical expertise. The platform provides comprehensive career support, including:

• Resume and cover letter writing workshops tailored for IT roles

• Interview preparation with mock sessions to build confidence

• Guidance on professional branding through LinkedIn and other platforms

• Communication skills training, including workplace etiquette and email writing

“Technical skills get you the interview; soft skills get you the job,” Kunwar explains. “We prepare our students for every step of the hiring process.”

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Impact: Thousands Trained, Hundreds Hired

Since its inception, Extratech has trained over 1,900 students, with nearly 1,500 securing jobs in reputable IT companies across Australia and other countries. Many of these success stories come from Nepali international students who, without Extratech, might have remained stuck in low-skilled jobs unrelated to their qualifications.

Kunwar’s own journey—from working in housekeeping to leading a successful training institute—serves as an inspiration to many aspiring IT professionals.

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Supporting International Students: A Personal Mission

Having faced the challenges of being an international student himself, Kunwar understands the unique difficulties Nepali students encounter abroad, including visa restrictions that limit working hours and unfamiliar work cultures.

He advises students to begin IT training 6 to 12 months before graduation so they can enter the job market fully prepared. “Don’t wait until you finish your degree,” he says. “Use your study time wisely to build skills that employers want.”

This proactive approach helps students maximize their time and improves their chances of securing meaningful employment.

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Expansion: From Sydney to Major Australian Cities and Back to Nepal

Extratech’s success in Sydney led to its expansion into other Australian cities, including Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Canberra, making quality IT training accessible to a wider audience.

In 2023, Kunwar took a significant step by opening an Extratech branch in Kathmandu, Nepal. This center offers both online and in-person classes tailored to Nepali students, especially those who cannot afford to study abroad but aspire to global IT careers.

Courses in Nepal range from beginner to advanced levels, with affordable fees starting at NPR 25,000, making world-class IT education accessible to many.

“Our Kathmandu center provides the same high-quality training as in Australia,” Kunwar notes. “Whether students want to work locally or internationally, we prepare them for both paths.”

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A Vision Beyond IT: Investing in Nepal’s Future

Kunwar’s ambitions extend beyond IT education. One of his most notable projects is the construction of the ExtraTech Oval International Cricket Stadium in Tilottama Municipality, Rupandehi, Lumbini Province. This is Nepal’s first private-sector sports stadium, designed to promote sports, tourism, and community development.

The stadium will seat up to 25,000 spectators and host international cricket matches and events, aiming to elevate Nepal’s profile in the global sports arena.

“I want to invest in something bigger than myself,” Kunwar says. “Nepal’s growth should be multi-dimensional — in technology, sports, infrastructure, and self-reliance.”

The project has garnered attention from sports organizations and inspired other Nepali entrepreneurs to consider similar investments.

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Returning Home: Building Nepal’s IT Future

Although Kunwar’s ventures continue to thrive in Australia, he plans to return to Nepal permanently within the next two years. His long-term vision is to establish an industry-focused IT college in Nepal that integrates formal education with practical training.

“I want Nepali students to dream big — not just to go abroad, but to build technology here,” he says. “We can create solutions for Nepal, by Nepalese, right here at home.”

This vision reflects a growing desire among Nepali professionals to contribute to national development and reduce brain drain.

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A Story of Resilience, Vision, and Impact

Binod Kunwar’s journey from a housekeeping job in Sydney to founding a successful IT training institute and investing in Nepal’s infrastructure is a testament to resilience and visionary leadership. His work with Extratech has empowered thousands of Nepali students and professionals to overcome barriers and build rewarding IT careers globally.

By addressing the critical gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements, Kunwar is not only transforming individual lives but also contributing to Nepal’s broader socio-economic development.

His story inspires hope and demonstrates that with determination, innovation, and a commitment to community, it is possible to break stereotypes and build bridges across continents.