The United Kingdom is set to establish 280 skill centers across Pakistan, with a focus on technical and vocational training to equip individuals for jobs in the Gulf region, according to state media reports on Saturday. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with Middle Eastern institutions, aims to address the evolving requirements of international job markets and enhance the employability of Pakistani workers.
Workforce export has long played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s economy, with remittances from workers abroad, particularly in the Middle East, forming a crucial part of the country’s financial inflows. However, recent challenges in meeting the more stringent demands of global employers have underscored the importance of upskilling and training Pakistan’s labor force.
A British delegation, currently on a two-day visit to Pakistan, discussed the establishment of these centers with local officials involved in technical and conventional education. According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), successful graduates from the training programs will receive joint certifications from Pakistani, UK, and Gulf institutions, significantly boosting their employment prospects abroad.
In the first phase of this initiative, 80,000 jobs will be created for graduates of these skill centers, with positions available across various sectors, including security, hospitality, construction, veterinary services, nursing, and law enforcement in Gulf countries, including Dubai.
Pakistan’s Federal Secretary for Education, Mohiyuddin Wani, and National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) Chairperson, Gulmina Bilal, emphasized the government’s commitment to providing top-quality training that will enable Pakistani workers to excel in global job markets.
The British delegation, which includes members of the UK’s House of Lords, reaffirmed their dedication to fostering educational cooperation with Pakistan to empower its youth. During their visit, the delegation will also meet with the Federal Minister for Education, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, in Karachi to further discussions on this vital initiative.
