NAVTTC STRIVING TO FOSTER INDUSTRY-ACADEMIA COLLABORATION FOR SKILLED WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: GULMINA BILAL

NAVTTC to organise skill competitions in July, August, 2024 followed by a National Job Fair in October and November

Mahtab Bashir
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ISLAMABAD: Chairperson National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), Gulmina Bilal Ahmed, has emphasized that the development of a skilled workforce in Pakistan is a key vision of the Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif maintaining so far, 27 institutions, including universities, have been identified as illegitimate, with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) currently conducting investigations against three of them. NAVTTC assumes full accountability in the event that any organization is discovered to be fraudulent in today's circumstances, she said. 

During a press conference commemorating World Youth Skilled Day, Chairperson NAVTCC Gulmina Bilal highlighted the organization's establishment in 2011 as a regulatory authority. Emphasizing the importance of adapting curriculum post 18th Amendment, Bilal mentioned the establishment of Technical Upgradation and Training Authorities (TEVTA) in provinces. However, NAVTCC stands out for its nationwide provision of training courses encompassing traditional, industrial, and modern IT programs. Maintaining a high standard in educational environments, NAVTCC ensures integrity and quality in teaching faculty across affiliated institutions, she added.

Chairperson NAVTTC Presser: Photo Courtesy: Zaigham Naqvi  

The Chairperson said, anyone who is 18 and above are eligible to enroll in our courses. “Stakeholders play a crucial role in our organisation, as we strive to introduce courses that will benefit the younger generation in the long run. We have implemented a more robust system with real-time monitoring in all affiliated institutions. Attendance in classrooms is being actively monitored through CCTV cameras to ensure compliance. Also, third-party assessments are conducted by reputable international quality companies to maintain high standards, she claimed.

The first female head of NAVTTC, Gulmina Bilal, went on to mention that the courses are tailored to meet the current demands of the industry. With job opportunities becoming scarce in the country, NAVTCC has taken the initiative to offer training courses in consultation with industry partners. The upcoming batch will comprise 36 candidates who will receive tailored training to meet industry needs. In the months of July and August, skill competitions will be organised for ten selected trades. Following this, a National Job Fair is scheduled to take place in October and November this year, Chairperson informed.

Chairperson responded to a query by revealing that in the past, there had been complaints and instances of certain universities offering fake courses. NAVTCC identified 27 institutions as fraudulent, and the FIA is currently investigating three institutions. However, as of today, out of the 937 institutions under scrutiny, there are no fake organisations uncovered. The Chairperson mentioned that any instances of fraud discovered in the current situation will result in severe consequences for the Chairperson (myself), Executive Director, and NAVTTC.