In a major push to transform technical and vocational education in Pakistan, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) has introduced several initiatives modeled on successful Chinese practices. According to Chairperson Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, these programs are equipping youth with market-relevant skills and breaking gender barriers by empowering women in fields traditionally dominated by men.
She highlighted that trades like plumbing, mobile phone repair, carpentry, and electrical work are now part of women-only training courses. This initiative, launched last year as a pilot under the Prime Minister’s special directive, has since become a regular component of NAVTTC’s programming.
The Chairperson further explained that high-tech IT and modern skills training programs have been designed based on China’s proven vocational strategies. NAVTTC studied the Chinese model and adapted it to suit Pakistan’s specific social and economic landscape.
Addressing concerns about funding, she clarified that the core issue lies not in the availability of resources, but in their efficient and strategic utilization. NAVTTC’s approach emphasizes data-driven planning based on district-level requirements and labor market trends.
To support this, NAVTTC has developed a real-time online platform that provides detailed information on training institutions across Pakistan. This includes data on co-education institutes, teacher qualifications, and whether institutes are running at full capacity, even in remote districts like Sanghar and Dalbandin.
Gulmina Bilal Ahmad credited the Prime Minister’s personal commitment to skill development for the program’s broad reach and effectiveness. She noted that his vision is centered on ensuring long-term impact, operational efficiency, and relevance to evolving market needs.
On the question of future collaboration with China, she praised China not just as a development partner, but as a “brother” that generously shares its experience. She emphasized Pakistan’s responsibility to localize and implement these shared models with intent and purpose.
She is currently in China on the invitation of Tang International Education Group, where she recently attended a graduation ceremony for eight Pakistani female students who completed technical and vocational training. A new batch of sixteen female students has also been enrolled, continuing the momentum of women’s participation in skilled trades.
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