Lahore: Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Chief Minister of Punjab has directed to promote public-private partnerships in TEVTA projects to uplift technical education and vocational training.
Chairing a high-level meeting
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif reviewed recommendations for finalizing the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) mapping plan. The review is part of a wider effort to realign technical education with market needs and promote collaboration between public institutions and private enterprises.
The meeting made a significant decision regarding the introduction of modern courses in TEVTA institutes which are aligned with present market demands. Amongst others, language courses in Korean, Japanese, German, Chinese, and Arabic would be added reflecting the growing importance of multi-lingual skills in global job markets. This initiative intends to equip students with the necessary language abilities required for their employability in international labor markets.
To enhance job opportunities it was also suggested that the Punjab Overseas Employment Promotion Authority should be established as this will create avenues for the skilled workforce from Punjab to get jobs in overseas countries thereby addressing the local unemployment rate vis-a-vis global demand for skilled human resources.
Another decision taken during the session was about outsourcing heavy machinery driving/operating courses. These will be done through joint ventures with large-scale construction developers so that trainees can have hands-on experience using industry-standard machines etcetera which is expected to enhance graduates’ employability within the construction industry by a large number of folds.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved
the establishment of 45 welding workshops in nine cities while state-of-the-art labs for welding & construction courses would be set up at Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Multan, Attock, Taxila, Layyah & Mianwali equipped latest technologies providing high-quality training facilities etcetera.
To address staff shortage at TEVTA it was agreed in the meeting to recruit 1000 new teachers/trainers etcetera. This will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of TEVTA’s training programs. Moreover, the budget for the purchase of practical material /equipment will be enhanced; a monthly provision of Rs 2000/- per student has been proposed which is aimed at ensuring that every trainee gets what he needs for the hands-on learning experience.
A biometric attendance system for teachers was also discussed during the meeting. Which seeks improved accountability as well as accurate tracking records within TEVTA institutes.
New courses being introduced in TEVTA include building, textile, garments, tourism & hospitality, information communication technology, and automobile assembling. And repairing, food processing, bio-medical technology, light engineering, renewable energy & professional training for surgical instruments etcetera. These have been designed to keep pace with changing industry requirements. So students can have a wider range of skill sets necessary for success in life.
On this occasion
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stressed upon need to modernize technical education courses to foster economic growth. And reduce unemployment rates across the Province. She highlighted that partnerships with reputed industries would play. A key role is not only in providing internships but also apprenticeships plus job offers etcetera.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed confidence that through. With these initiatives, Punjab will be able to establish a strong model system of technical education. Such a system aims at enhancing students’ skills besides preparing them. Fully to meet both local & international labor market demands simultaneously.
Among the important persons present in the meeting were Senator Pervez Rashid, and Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb. Chairperson of the Chief Minister’s Task Force on Skills Development Adnan Afzal Chatha, Secretary of Industry Ehsan Bhutta. Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sajid Zafar Dall and some other high-ranking officers. It is hoped that their combined efforts and backing will result in the success of these plans.
