Islamabad:The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) has successfully secured investments totaling Rs10 billion over the last two years, marking a significant shift in its operational strategy toward economic transformation and institutional reform.
According to official documents, the commission has historically depended on federal government funding to sustain its activities. However, under the leadership of Chairperson Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, the organisation has undergone a major overhaul of its training capacity. These reforms were specifically designed to synchronise the skills of the Pakistani workforce with modern industrial needs and the evolving demands of the global labour market.
A central component of this strategy involved attracting foreign investment to develop high-tech laboratories. Following extensive negotiations, NAVTTC finalised 32 strategic MoUs with various Chinese institutions.
This collaboration, facilitated through CPEC in-kind support, mobilized nearly Rs10 billion to establish 13 advanced laboratories within the commission’s network. Officials noted that the integration of modern technical training, refreshed curricula and enhanced instructor capacity has broadened the horizon for skilled Pakistani workers.
While employment efforts were previously concentrated in Gulf countries, new opportunities are now emerging in China and Europe. The strengthening of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector has already yielded tangible results, with 922 Pakistanis securing positions in the UAE and Serbia.
Furthermore, a significant agreement with Serbia aims to provide employment for 27,500 skilled workers. The first two batches comprising 52 electricians have already been dispatched to the European nation.
NAVTTC has established high-level contact with ambassadors from 16 nations, including the USA and various European countries alongside international bodies such as the ILO, Unicef and the International Organization for Migration.
