Private sector takes lead in imparting workplace-based training in Sindh

Karachi, January 30, 2018: “Workplace-based training imparted by the private sector organizations and business industry associations can lead to the pragmatic learning; proving as the success factor for the development of the skilled workforce and economic growth in Sindh.” These remarks were made by the ambassador of European Union (EU) to Pakistan Mr Jean François Cautain at the Launch of the Workplace-based Training in Sindh in a ceremony held at a local hotel in Karachi.
The ceremony was organized by The Sindh Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (STEVTA), supported by the TVET Sector Support Programme for the establishment of this Training Fund to be implemented in Sindh and Balochistan to foster private sector engagement in the delivery of workplace-based training courses. The objective is to train 18,000 young men and women and prepare them for successfully entering the labour market.
The Program is funded by the European Union and the Governments of the Germany and Norway. The Programme is being implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in close collaboration with National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), TEVTAs and a number of organizations from public and private sectors across Pakistan.
Speaking at the ceremony, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Karachi Mr Rainer Schmiedchen wowed on the launch of the training projects for the workplace-based training.
Executive Director NAVTTC, Mr Zulfiqar Ahmed Cheema appreciated the efforts of Sindh TEVTA and other institutes implementing these training projects. He said, “With the launch of these training projects, a new avenue has been manifested which will contribute to the new trends of vocational learning in the province.”
Chairman Sindh TEVTA Mr Shahid Abdul Salam Thaeem Chairman Sindh TEVTA and special assistant to the Chief Minister Sindh said, “The workplace-based training projects, promotes an active partnership between training providers in the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector and business associations to link training closely to the requirements of employers.” He said that the involved enterprises in these projects are engaged in selecting relevant qualifications, planning and delivering training, and conducting assessments. The process will ensure that the training directly leads to the employment of graduates.
Speaking at the ceremony Head of TVET Sector Support Programme, Mr Hans-Ludwig Bruns opined that this unique and latest training approach which has been introduced first time in Pakistan will also promote innovative training approaches, to support the exposure of young people to the workplace. This encourages training institutes and enterprises to link theoretical with practical training at the workplace. In this regard, both sides can agree on flexible approaches in training delivery, which meet the demands of the involved enterprises, such as cooperative training, on-the-job training and teaching factory.
So far, the Training Fund for implementation of workplace-based training has supported 17 training institutes in Sindh, which will launch workplace-based training courses for 5,100 trainees in the beginning of 2018. The institutes cooperate with 355 enterprises together. In March, the Training Fund will also start its initiative in Baluchistan supporting 8 training institutes and 62 enterprises.