The Pak-China Technical & Vocational Institute (PCT&VI) at University of Gwadar (UG) has approved a series of new skill-based training programs including boat making, boat engine repair, general and solar electrical work, mobile phone repairing, and logistics and supply chain management, during its third Board of Studies meeting. Chaired by Prof. Dr. Syed Manzoor Ahmed, Executive Director of PCT&VI, the meeting took place in the institute’s Conference Room. Other attendees included Prof.

Dr. Jan Muhammad, Dean of Social Sciences at the University of Gwadar, and Dr. Mohibullah, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Gwadar, along with departmental heads, faculty members, and administrative officers, according to Gwadar Pro news network. The Board reviewed various academic and administrative matters, with a focus on aligning curricula with evolving industry needs. Other than the newly introduced courses, in a major revision, the existing Mechatronics program was replaced with a newly designed Robotic Engineering program, reaffirming PCT&VI’s commitment to offering cutting-edge, industry-relevant education.

The proposals were formally approved by the Competent Authority. Admissions for all newly approved and existing programs will be announced soon, expanding opportunities for students from Gwadar, Makran and beyond. The latest decisions build on the institute’s recent efforts to expand training opportunities in line with economic trends. In September, PCT&VI opened admissions for short-term courses in artificial intelligence, e-commerce and other digital skills, with support from Chinese faculty. 

The three-month programs, covering data analytics, generative AI, Python programming, mobile application development, freelancing and digital marketing, are designed to equip local youth with in-demand skills for the digital economy under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Earlier this week, when the list of successful candidates was announced, a significant number of female students from Gwadar were among those enrolled in various short courses, a promising sign of increasing female participation in technical education and digital trades.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China