ISLAMABAD, Feb 27 (ABC): The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), in collaboration with European Union and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), is establishing and upgrading 12 model technical and vocational education and training institutes in Balochistan.

The initiative aims to modernize the province’s training infrastructure by equipping institutes with advanced tools, machinery, and equipment to improve the quality of technical and vocational education.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, three centres of excellence are being established in Quetta and at Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, Uthal, aimed at strengthening advanced skills development, innovation, and industry-oriented training, aligning local workforce capabilities with market demands.

The document further reveals that under China’s assistance, several technical training centres in Balochistan have also been upgraded with modern facilities, including heavy-duty generators, latest computer systems, and improved furniture to create a conducive learning environment.

Moreover, NAVTTC has funded Balochistan TEVTA to train 300 candidates under a cluster-based industry-led training program, ensuring direct linkage between training institutes and industry needs.

Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, Executive Director of NAVTTC Muhammad Amir Jan said the initiative is expected to significantly enhance employability among youth, strengthen industrial productivity, and support sustainable economic growth in the province.

He said the focus on modernized training infrastructure and market-relevant skills reflects a broader strategy to position Balochistan as a competitive contributor to Pakistan’s skilled workforce in the coming years.

The document also shows that under the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Program (Batch-II) 2024-25, a total of 186 institutes have been allocated across Balochistan with a target of training 6,252 trainees in multiple sectors.

The largest share has been allocated to Information Technology with 69 institutes and a target of 3,125 trainees, followed by Manufacturing & Textile with 38 institutes targeting 920 trainees.

Aesthetics, Health Care & Services cover 31 institutes with 700 trainees, while Agriculture includes 14 institutes with a target of 535 trainees.

Construction with Electrical/Energy has 10 institutes targeting 280 trainees, Languages include 10 institutes with 220 trainees, Mines & Mineral Industry covers 6 institutes with 224 trainees, Banking & Finance includes 4 institutes with 140 trainees, and HMO & Driving Trades comprise 4 institutes with a target of 108 trainees.