As many as 50 female students received 15 days free of cost hands-on training after completing their six months courses in Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute, Gwadar.

 

The course is a part of China’s efforts for women empowerment, offering them an excellent chance to become an integral component of the “high-tech man force” direly needed for Gwadar free zones as well as national and internationally competitive markets. 

 

According to Gwadar Pro on Sunday, these female trainees received on-site skilled and professional training in five trades including Cargo Handling, Office Management, Chinese Language, Crane Operation and Financial Accounting. 

 

They belonged to the first batch of 6-month course conducted by PCT & VI in collaboration with National Vocational and Technical Commission (NAVTAC) of Pakistan under Prime Minister’s Youth Skills Development program.

 

PCT & VI Principal Muhammad Hanif told Gwadar Pro that all female students of impoverished local communities of Gwadar seem to be naturally talented. 

 

They needed an opportunity to show their mettle and once chance came, they seized it and capitalized in professional way. Among them few are likely to get job letters from banks and companies working in Gwadar port, he disclosed. 

 

“There was total 130 trainees in first batch. Out of them, 90 were male students and 50 were female students,” he replied a query.

 

These trainees are supposed to be technically and professionally trained and prepared for Gwadar Free Zones, he said, because companies in the Zone will direly seek such kind of skilled and qualified manforce.

 

The development has unleashed employment for Gwadar youth especially females in the business activities. With technical and professional education, and other allied facilities awarded to them free of cost, Gwadar Youth will prove to be an agent of change, transforming a small fishing town to a modern smart city, said Sohail Asghar, project director of PCT & VI.

 

Another PCT & VI official revealed that after the six-month course, a three-year course is planned. Students will spend one year in PCT & VI Gwadar and one and half years will be in the Shandong Institute of Commercial Technology (SICT) in China. 

 

Later, students will learn practical experience as an internee in courses’ related industry in China, he added.

 

“SICT has also agreed to design curriculum in line with requirements of industries. They also consented to bear operational cost of the institute for 3 years for Chinese faculty members’ boarding and lodging expenses. 

 

The contact agreement with SICT has been submitted to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs for approval,” he added. 

 

COPHC Chairman Zhang Boazhong said, “Young people of Gwadar are the main and fundamental stakeholders of Port City of Gwadar. Their participation in operation & management of the deep-sea port, participation in industrial and commercial businesses, and in urbanization processes is key to all long-term developmental initiatives. 

 

This PCT & VI aims to shape and enhance skills of active population of Gwadar to participate in the growth of the Port City.” 

 

Groundbreaking of PCT & VI was held on 16th December 2019. During the construction, it provided more than 1000 jobs for locals. This institute possesses 7,350 square meters as a total floor area comprising teaching buildings, training workshops, multi-function halls and dormitories for students and faculty. 

 

The PCT &VI was built in October 2021 by China-aid at the cost of 83 million RMB. 

 

Credit : Independent News Pakistan