Islamabad, January 8: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) will launch 18 technical and vocational training courses from January 15, enabling its students to earn their livelihood and take participate in the country’s socio-economic development.

The skill-based courses include motor-welding, plumber, electrician, steel fixer, civil surveyor, draftsman, refrigerator and air conditioner mechanic, computer hardware and software mechanic.

According to Director Admissions, these courses will help enhancing capacity-building of the people who are already engaged in technical work. Special certificates will be awarded to them on successful completion of the courses.

These consisted of one semester, six-month duration. The University carries out its learning and teaching practices for such courses, through its distant-learning system.

It allots study Centre and tutors for the students to acquaint themselves with necessary guideline and technical know-how. A student has to secure passing marks in Assignments as well as in final exams to successfully complete the concerned Educational Program.

Interested candidates have been asked to take admissions in these programs by February 20. AIOU said it will charge a minimum fee for these one semester programs.

Through the skill-based courses, the University wished to play its due role helping the people to crate job opportunities for themselves, on self-help basis, as per the vision of the Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum.