LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has emphasized the need for innovative technical training courses to boost economic growth and reduce unemployment.
The CM, who chaired a meeting here on Sunday to finalize the mapping plan of the Technical Education and Training Authority (TEVTA), said advanced courses in market-driven fields should be taught in TEVTA institutes.
The CM stressed that the new courses must include training in construction, textiles, garments, tourism, hospitality, information communication technology, automobile assembly and repair, vocational training in food processing, biomedical technology, light engineering, renewable energy and surgical instruments. It directed the concerned authorities to partner with leading industries to promote internships, apprenticeships and placements. She also directed them to introduce Korean, Japanese, German, Chinese and Arabic courses in TEVTA institutions. She prayed for the establishment of a strong technical education system in Punjab.
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif agreed to a proposal to set up an authority to promote overseas skilled jobs in Punjab in the international market and ordered to outsource “Heavy Machinery Driving/Operation Course” in collaboration with major construction developers.
The CM approved construction of 45 welding workshops in 9 cities, besides construction of state-of-the-art welding and construction laboratories at Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Multan, Attock, Taxila, Layyah and Mianwali. It also approved the proposal to recruit 1000 staff to overcome the shortage of human resources in TEVTA and directed to increase the monthly budget for purchase of training materials for practical training @ Rs 2000 per student per month. It also directed the concerned authorities to issue guidelines to ensure biometric attendance of teachers. The meeting was attended by Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Provincial Chief Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Chairman Chief Minister’s Task Force on Skill Development Adnan Afzal Chatha. Industries Secretary Ehsan Bhutta, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sajid Zafar Dal and other relevant officers were also present.
