London, October 6, 2024 — In a landmark partnership, the UK government and a coalition of leading Gulf-based companies have announced plans to establish 280 vocational skills centers across Pakistan. This initiative aims to address the country’s growing demand for skilled labor, provide job opportunities for young people, and enhance economic development.
The project, which will roll out over the next five years, focuses on equipping Pakistan’s workforce with critical technical and vocational skills in fields such as construction, information technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and logistics. These skills centers are expected to benefit thousands of youth, particularly in underserved regions, by offering specialized training programs tailored to the needs of both local and international job markets.
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly hailed the partnership, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic growth and development. “This collaboration between the UK, Gulf companies, and Pakistan is a significant step in ensuring that young Pakistanis have access to world-class training, improving their employability and enhancing the country’s long-term prosperity,” Cleverly said in a statement.
The centers will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, leveraging modern teaching methodologies and digital tools. The UK government will provide funding for the initiative through its Department for International Development (DFID), while Gulf companies, particularly from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, will contribute through investments, expertise, and technology.
Key Objectives:
- Skill Development: Focus on high-demand sectors, ensuring trainees are prepared for both domestic and international job markets.
- Youth Empowerment: Addressing Pakistan’s youth unemployment rate by equipping young people with relevant, market-driven skills.
- Economic Growth: Promoting sustainable growth through a skilled workforce that meets the needs of growing industries, especially in construction, IT, healthcare, and renewable energy.
- Global Partnerships: Strengthening ties between Pakistan, the UK, and Gulf nations through joint economic and educational ventures.
The initiative is expected to create thousands of new jobs, not only in training centers but also through the expansion of industries that require skilled professionals. By partnering with local businesses and training institutions, the project also aims to ensure that the training provided is relevant and responsive to market needs.
Pakistani officials have welcomed the initiative, seeing it as an opportunity to significantly reduce the skills gap in the workforce. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude for the collaboration, stating, “This partnership will play a pivotal role in empowering our youth and positioning Pakistan as a hub for skilled labor in the region.”
The 280 centers will be strategically located across Pakistan’s major cities, as well as rural areas, ensuring access to skills training for a wide range of individuals. The centers will offer both short-term and long-term courses, with a strong emphasis on hands-on, practical training. Partnerships with local businesses will also ensure that graduates have opportunities for internships and full-time employment after completing their programs.
This project marks a new chapter in UK-Pakistan relations and signals the growing role of Gulf countries in Pakistan’s development. It is expected to serve as a model for future international collaborations focused on youth empowerment, skill development, and economic transformation.
