"Pakistan has become the centre of attention for world investment for stakeholders and multi-national companies because of its geographical position in South Asia. Stake holders of developed countries are giving priority to expand their business in Pakistan. At present, these companies urgently need trained manpower in various trades," says Irfan Qaiser Sheikh, the Chairman of the Technical and Vocational Training Authority.
The authority is introducing demand-driven courses with the collaboration of national and multi-national companies. On Monday, the Berger Paints and the authority agreed a memorandum of understanding during a ceremony at the latter's secretariat on Monday. Chairman Sheikh said, "Because of its importance and a huge business volume in the sector, paint is also one of the important industries in the country. But no course was started in the past for this industry. In this connection, the Technical and Vocational Training Authority will start new course by the name of 'industrial painter' in the first phase. The courses relating to sales, marketing and communication skills, meeting the requirement of Paint Industry, will also start later." He also said, "The paint industry is facing an acute shortage of trained manpower. This agreement will provide them with a trained skilled force. This course will start at the authority's institute in Lahore as a pilot project. After launching this, the course will also begin in other cities of the Punjab where required with the consultation of Berger paints. The curricula for the training will be jointly developed by both organisations as per requirements of job market. Both the parties will work for the placement of pass-out of this new course. Examination and certification will be provided by the Punjab Board of Technical Education and the Trade Testing Board, of all students enrolled."
Berger Paints Chief Executive Zafar Qidwai who signed the agreement said, "Berger will provide master trainers for the purpose of training of trainers to the authority's faculty. Training consumables and equipment will be provided by Berger. Internship will be considered mandatory for award of certificate to the students. Berger will assist the authority in placement of students in relevant industry after completion of the training course. Market compatible salaries will be offered to the pass-outs."