LAHORE: In a significant development for technical education in Punjab, the Punjab Board of Technical Education (PBTE) has ratified an agreement with the British organization Science Industry Associate Services (SIAS) to facilitate international certification for its programs. This decision was reached during a board meeting chaired by Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain at PSIC House, as the board seeks to enhance global employment opportunities for its skilled workforce.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the PBTE is also planning to establish agreements with additional international organizations to further the reach of its certification programs. Chaudhry Shafay Hussain emphasized the importance of international certification in improving the quality of technical education and meeting the growing demand for skilled manpower abroad. He noted that this is the first instance of such an agreement being signed with a British organization in the province’s history, underscoring its potential to facilitate legal placements in international markets.
The provincial minister highlighted the role of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif in promoting skill development, with upgrades to several technical education institutions and laboratories through her directives. Additionally, he mentioned ongoing reforms within the PBTE, such as the digitization of examination processes and enhancements to the board’s website and job portal, aimed at increasing transparency and connectivity with both local and international industries.
Chaudhry Shafay Hussain also identified hotel management and tourism as key sectors for future skilled manpower development. Meanwhile, Chairman of PBTE, Dr. Faisal Mahmood, informed the meeting about improvements to the board’s online application portal and the introduction of QR codes on student examination slips. The meeting was attended by Board Secretary Chaudhry Muhammad Hafeez and other board members, with some participating via video link.