KARACHI: Launch of the Workplace-based Training in Sindh in a ceremony held at a local hotel in Karachi. The objective is to train 18,000 young men and women and prepare them for successfully entering the labor market. The Program is funded by the European Union and the Governments of the Germany and Norway. The Programme is being implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in close collaboration with National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), TEVTAs and a number of organizations from public and private sectors across Pakistan. Launching ceremony was organized by The Sindh Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (STEVTA), supported by the TVET Sector Support Programme for the establishment of this Training Fund to be implemented in Sindh and Balochistan to foster private sector engagement in the delivery of workplace-based training courses. Speaking on the occasion, Jean François Cautain, ambassador of European Union (EU) to Pakistan, said that “Workplace-based training imparted by the private sector organizations and business industry associations can lead to the pragmatic learning; proving as the success factor for the development of the skilled workforce and economic growth in Sindh.” Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Karachi Rainer Schmiedchen wowed on the launch of the training projects for the workplace-based training. Executive Director NAVTTC, Zulfiqar Ahmed Cheema said, “With the launch of these training projects, a new avenue has been manifested which will contribute to the new trends of vocational learning in the province.” Chairman Sindh TEVTA Shahid Abdul Salam Thaeem Chairman Sindh TEVTA and special assistant to the Chief Minister Sindh said, “The process will ensure that the training directly leads to the employment of graduates.” Speaking at the ceremony Head of TVET Sector Support Programme, Hans-Ludwig Bruns opined that this unique and latest training approach which has been introduced first time in Pakistan will also promote innovative training approaches, to support the exposure of young people to the workplace. Speakers said that so far, the training fund for implementation of workplace-based training has supported 17 training institutes in Sindh, which will launch workplace-based training courses for 5,100 trainees in the beginning of 2018. The institutes cooperate with 355 enterprises together. In March, the Training Fund will also start its initiative in Baluchistan supporting 8 training institutes and 62 enterprises. Published in Daily Times, February 1st 2018.