NAVTTC Strengthening Pakistan's Vocational Education: City and Guild Team Interactions with National Skills University Islamabad
Posted 8 months ago
In a significant stride toward fostering global technical and vocational education partnerships, National Skills University Islamabad recently hosted a delegation from City & Guilds, a globally recognized leader in skills development. This momentous visit, facilitated by the unwavering efforts of the Chairperson of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), Ms. Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, reflects on a shared commitment to elevating Pakistan's technical and vocational education standards to align with international benchmarks.
The founding Vice Chancellor of National Skills University Islamabad Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar welcomed the delegate and provided an insightful overview of the university's mission and accomplishments including global skills recognition opportunities in the country. The visit included a comprehensive tour of the university's workshops, showcasing its cutting-edge facilities and innovative approach to skill development. The delegation expressed appreciation for the institution's collaboration with global entities, including UNESCO-UNEVOC, European Training Foundation which further cements its standing as a hub of excellence in vocational education.
Before the above visit, a "Sector-Specific International Certification for Pakistani TVET" orientation session was held at the NAVTTC headquarters in Islamabad. This particular event, attended by skills providers nationwide, was jointly organized by City & Guilds and NAVTTC. In this session, the Chairperson of the NAVTTC and City and Guild team addressed critical issues such as sector-specific international certifications, the quality and global competitiveness of Pakistan's skilled workforce, and strategies to meet current and future challenges in the technical and vocational education sector. Participants were guided by the NAVTTC Chairperson and City & Guild visiting team on achieving internationally recognized certifications, enhancing the credibility and employability of Pakistan's workforce on a global stage.
The visiting team from City & Guilds included prominent figures such as Dr. Tony Degazon (via online), Regional Manager for the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, Dr. Amir Saadati, Executive Director of GEMS Middle East Holding, and Mr. Tabish Fareedi, Country Representative in Pakistan, Mr. Hussain Sheikh and several others.
The City & Guild certification and its global recognition will open new doors and opportunities for the Pakistani workforce. For over 140 years, City & Guilds has been a beacon of excellence in vocational education, working tirelessly to equip individuals and organizations with the skills needed for success. Their focus on work-based learning and flexible pathways has revolutionized the concept of lifelong employability through skilling and reskilling, enabling individuals to adapt to evolving industries and economic landscapes continuously. As a Royal Chartered Institute and registered charity, City & Guilds reinvest its surplus to enhance educational solutions and advocate for inclusive skill development initiatives worldwide.
The visit reaffirmed City & Guilds' dedication to transforming lives through skills development and inspired hope for the future of vocational education in Pakistan. It highlighted the pivotal role of institutions like National Skills University Islamabad and several others in bridging the gap between local aspirations and global standards. This collaboration is part of the roadmap chartered by the NAVTTC for future partnerships to empower Pakistan's workforce and unlock new opportunities for economic growth and social mobility.
According to Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar and several other academic leaders attending the NAVTTC meeting, continued efforts and support from visionary leaders like Ms. Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, the nation's technical and vocational education sector will reach unprecedented heights, creating a brighter future for future generations.
