Pakistan has launched a two-month vocational training programme to prepare 100 local workers for jobs in projects invested in by Chinese companies.
The Kasb-e-Kamal Vocational Centre organised the initiative in partnership with the China International Investment Corporation (CIIC) and the local technical training institution KEK. Fifty candidates are enrolled in low-voltage electrical work, while another 50 are training in riveting. Successful participants will undergo assessment to receive priority for employment in relevant projects, including those managed by PowerChina.
Wang Kang, General Manager of CIIC Technology Group, and Huang Ju, Director of its International Business Development Department, said the training includes workplace safety and Chinese-language instruction. Wang and Huang stated the programme intends to improve the technical abilities of local staff and create jobs while assisting Chinese enterprises in fulfilling their workforce needs.
The chairman of CIIC noted that only 25 welders in Pakistan were trained last year, with three of them eventually securing roles in PowerChina projects. The CIIC chairman added that partner organisations have expressed satisfaction with the performance and technical skills of Pakistani workers.
Representatives from five Chinese state-owned enterprises, including PowerChina, China Electrical Equipment, Harbin Electric International, China Nuclear Industry Fifth Construction Company, and China MCC Group, are participating in the programme. The CIIC chairman said the goal is to strengthen ties with local partners and establish an integrated system for recruitment, certification, training, and employment.
Ahmed Younis, Chief Executive Officer of Kasb-e-Kamal, confirmed that 14 electrical engineers are also involved. Younis said developing skilled human resources is vital for the progress of the country. He further claimed that training young people in modern technical fields would help bolster the national economy.
Participants in the electrical training programme said they are also receiving instruction in English and Chinese alongside their technical studies.
