A key milestone in youth skills development was achieved with the signing of agreements to transform TVET institutes in Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan

Islamabad, September 24, 2024: A key milestone in youth skills development was achieved with the signing of agreements to transform TVET institutes in Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into Centres of Excellence (CoEs). The initiative, co-funded by the European Union and Germany, and implemented by GIZ and the British Council, aims to equip youth with market-relevant skills through modern equipment, enhanced curricula, and teacher training.

Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan, Abrar Ahmad Mirza, and Secretary Higher, Technical & Special Education GB, Farid Ahmad, represented Gilgit-Baltistan at the event and signed the agreement for CoEs and Model Institutes in the region. During the ceremony, Chief Secretary GB emphasized that unemployment is the biggest challenge among youth in Gilgit-Baltistan, and through technical education and skill development, the region can address this challenge and secure a brighter future for its youth. He further highlighted the immense potential of training programs in the tourism and mining sectors, expressing interest in further collaboration with donors to continue enhancing these sectors. He also extended special thanks to all stakeholders for their support in this transformative initiative.

Philipp Oliver Gross, Deputy Head of the EU Mission to Pakistan, emphasized the importance of empowering youth, particularly women, for inclusive growth. NAVTTC Executive Director, Mohammed Amir Jan, praised the transparent selection of institutes, noting it sets a new benchmark for Pakistan’s TVET sector.

The CoEs will serve as hubs for teacher training, innovation, and business incubation, linking training to industry needs. The transformation includes upgrading eight institutes under the Team Europe initiative, providing state-of-the-art facilities and international linkages for enhanced job opportunities.