The esteemed Chairperson of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), Ms Gulmina Bilal, paid a significant visit to the Karakoram International University (KIU) Hunza campus. She was warmly received by the campus Director, Prof Dr Rehmat Karim, who also heads the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management. The visit marks a pivotal step in enhancing technical education and vocational training in the region.
Ms Bilal announced a groundbreaking initiative during her visit: NAVTTC will cover the costs of international certification for youth trained in various technical trades, with a particular emphasis on those from Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). This initiative aims to elevate the skills and employability of the region’s youth, providing them with globally recognized credentials.
Additionally, Ms Bilal disclosed NAVTTC’s plans to award training projects to the top three institutes in GB specializing in Hospitality Management. To ensure the success and quality of these projects, NAVTTC seeks a reputable institute to manage and oversee them. Dr Rehmat Karim graciously accepted this responsibility, reinforcing KIU Hunza’s commitment to advancing technical education.
In a further announcement, Ms Bilal revealed her upcoming trip to Gansu, China, in September 2024. She will attend an international seminar on the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector and will engage with KIU Hunza students currently studying the Chinese language. This engagement aims to strengthen educational and cultural ties between the two regions.
Moreover, the Chairperson introduced a new opportunity for training institutes. They can now directly apply for project awards by submitting proposals that guarantee a minimum of 70% employment for their trainees. This new criterion underscores NAVTTC’s dedication to not only training youth but also ensuring their successful integration into the workforce.
Dr Rehmat Karim expressed profound gratitude for NAVTTC’s initiatives and reaffirmed KIU Hunza’s commitment to continuing its partnership with NAVTTC. “We are dedicated to providing quality technical training to our youth and are excited about the new opportunities these initiatives will bring,” he said.
The visit and announcements underscore the collaborative efforts between NAVTTC and educational institutions in GB to promote technical education and vocational training, ultimately aiming to empower the youth and drive regional development.
The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT), represented by Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, along with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, continue to support these transformative initiatives.