LAHORE: The Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) and Oracle Academy Tuesday signed an agreement to integrate Oracle Academy programmes at 150 institutions across Punjab to train 45,000 students TEVTA Chairman Irfan Qaiser Sheikh and Oracle Pakistan and Afghanistan head Syed Azam Abidi witnessed the signing of the agreement at the TEVTA Secretariat. Over the next three years, the agreement will also facilitate training of 150 TEVTA master trainers. “TEVTA is trying its best to make technical and vocational training more accessible for our youth throughout the province,” said Irfan Qaiser while speaking on occasion. “We hope that by integrating the world-class computer science curriculum provided by Oracle Academy into our training programmes, we can boost the confidence of our students and equip them with 21st century skills which are imperative for successful careers.” The chairman said that that the faculty of colleges would receive free training from Oracle Academy trainers, thus, upgrading their professional skills and knowledge as well. Irfan further said that the programme is aimed at inculcating in students skills aligned with the industry. “The students will receive the exposure to latest innovative technology and curriculum while pursuing their education, thus preparing them for globally-recognized Oracle certification examinations in hope for better job placement.” He went on to say that the four-month training programme would be free of cost, which would benefit the youth as they would be avail job opportunities in IT sector not only in Pakistan but in other countries as well. Azam Abidi observed that the agreement between TEVTA and the Oracle Academy would help enable hundreds of teachers and thousands of students in Punjab to learn new skills and develop core computing knowledge aligned with industry demands using current technologies.” Abidi further said that Oracle Academy advances computer science education globally to drive knowledge, innovation, skills development, and diversity in technology fields, offering a free and complete portfolio of software, curriculum, hosted technology, faculty trainings, support, and certification resources. Supporting more than 3.5 million students annually in 120 countries, the program works with public and private partners to provide the tools educators need to engage and prepare students to become innovators and leaders of the future, he said, adding that through Oracle Academy, students receive hands-on experience with the latest technologies. Published in Daily Times, April 11th 2018.