British Council Pakistan and the Government of Scotland on Wednesday organised an employer engagement seminar to provide support and assist industry partners to improve current practices and learn from best case practices in Scotland. The seminar was a continuation of Phase-I of the 'Pakistan Scottish Apprenticeship Programme' launched in March 2016 with the Government of Scotland, in order to further develop and bring international expertise to the industry sector.
With the technical expertise of Skills Development Scotland, the programme delivers highly structured apprenticeship trainings, by working with partners from traditional and emerging industries. Under this programme, industry partnerships are formed in sports, textile, furniture, manufacturing, fan and vehicle industries. Furthermore, 100 young apprentices will be trained and nurtured in different skills across these sectors. This will make them more self-reliant and give them the means to grow and find better opportunities in the competitive job market.
Together with the Scottish government, British Council has designed the programme based on the assumption that marginalized groups including youth and women can play dynamic roles in boosting economic development in the country. "The Scottish Apprenticeship programme is in line with the British Council's larger objective of working with governments and non-government organisations in Pakistan to bring professional development opportunities to the youth of the country," said Kevin McLaven, British Council Director Punjab. "In addition to carrying out successful programmes in the areas of higher education and schools, we are now focussing on increasing our role in developing the skills sector in Pakistan. I am confident that this project will go a long way in generating employment for young people and contribute to industry performance and competiveness."
Fiona Stewart, Head of National Training Programme Operations and Katie Hutton, Director of National Training Programmes, lead the seminar proceedings. The major focus was on sharing the general framework of apprenticeship trainings in Scotland and employing a similar concept in the local industries. It also provided for a brainstorming platform for the delegates, where they identified the industry areas where most improvement is required. The sessions proved to be highly productive for them and they were eager to replicate the Scottish apprenticeship model.
Dr Alasdair Allan, Minister for International Development and Europe said: "The Scottish Government is delighted to be funding the Pakistan Scottish Apprenticeship Programme in partnership with British Council Pakistan and Skills Development Scotland. This is helping us to deliver on the aims of our Engagement Strategy with Pakistan to share our experience to ensure that Pakistan is able to develop the skills in its young people that it needs for the 21stt century and ensuring that some of the most disadvantaged are able to benefit."-PR