ISLAMABAD: As many as 113 students of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) have been selected for scholarships to study in Chinese universities followed by training at industrial institutions in China.

NAVTTC, in collaboration with the Chinese-Commercial Culture-Technical Training Employment (CCTE), organised an international China scholarship ceremony at the Centre of Excellence H-9, aimed at enhancing youth skills and employment, says a press release issued here on Wednesday .

It said that the purpose of the event was to equip the youth with technical skills through the Pak-China joint degree/diploma programme, which is a part of the Chinese-Commercial Culture-Technical Training Employment (CCTE) initiatives. Through this programme, Pakistani skilled talents will be trained for industrial cooperation between the two countries, thereby boosting the career prospects of Pakistani youth.

As per the programme, 113 students undergoing training in various fields across the country, under the NAVTTC were selected after various exams.

In the first phase, these students were given an eight-month Chinese language course at the local level, followed by an online test administered by Chinese teachers. The 113 students who passed the test are set to receive a one-year training in China.

These students will first receive top-notch training in their respective fields at the best universities in China, followed by practical training at leading industrial institutions in China. Those who meet their standards will be offered employment there.

Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan speaking at the ceremony said that these scholarships, offered by the governments of Pakistan and China, aim to support the skill development and employment of young Pakistanis in various fields such as technology, engineering, and vocational training.

Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said: “It is a matter of pride for Pakistan that our youth are receiving training from great industrial powers like China. This also proves that our youth possess immense potential.”

At the end of the ceremony, Chairperson Gulmina Bilal expressed gratitude to the participants.

Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2024