Islamabad: On the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) organized a vibrant and inspiring National Skill Competition at the NAVTTC Centre of Excellence in Islamabad, showcasing the exceptional talents and technical prowess of Pakistani youth.
According to Press Information Department, the event brought together skilled youth from across the country. Competitors participated to demonstrate their capabilities in sectors like hospitality, mechanical, textile, construction, services, and information technology, reflecting NAVTTC's commitment to aligning skills training with international standards and market demands.
The event was graced by Honorable chief guest Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Sajid Khokhar, Chairman Punjab TEVTA, Farah Naz, Parliamentary Secretary and Mr. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme. Their presence underscored the government's strong focus on skill education, as both dignitaries emphasized the critical role of technical and vocational skills in driving national development.
Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui applauded the Executive Director of NAVTTC for his leadership and commended the initiative of bringing all stakeholders under one roof. He stated, 'Pakistan is the name of determination and passion.' He reflected on the purpose of religion being the pursuit of knowledge and truth. 'Your competition is not with one another, but with the rest of the world,' he said, urging that we must enhance our expertise further in the fields of technology and skills to compete on a global level.
Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan expressed gratitude to the Federal Minister and appreciated NAVTTC and its affiliated institutions for their tireless efforts. He noted that Pakistan is in a phase where positive news is coming from all around the world, improving its global image. He also acknowledged the Prime Minister's strong focus on expanding and promoting vocational education across the country.
Sajid Khokhar emphasized the importance of World Youth Skills Day, asserting that dedicating just one day to skills is not enough. He praised NAVTTC's organization of the National Skills Competition for fostering greater coordination and unity among stakeholders in the skills ecosystem.
Farah Naz thanked the Honorable Minister and the Executive Director of NAVTTC for organizing the National Skills Competition on World Youth Skills Day. She stated that celebrating this day is a major milestone, representing the recognition and celebration of skills as a core pillar of youth empowerment and national development.
The Executive Director of NAVTTC, Muhammad Aamir Jan, expressed gratitude to the Federal Minister for his continued support and guidance. He highlighted that NAVTTC has shifted from output-based courses to industry-led training programs, providing real-time, hands-on training aligned with market needs. NAVTTC also launched its official theme song to motivate youth to engage in skill-based learning and technical training.
Distinguished guests, industry experts, development partners, and training providers attended the event to support and motivate the young competitors. The day featured live skill demonstrations and presentations of successful NAVTTC alumni, emphasizing the importance of regular skill competitions in identifying and uplifting talent across the country.
Out of 5,000 applicants from across the country, only 133 candidates were selected to compete in the National Skills Competition. Each category offered two awards, with first-place winners receiving a cash prize of PKR 100,000, and second-place winners awarded PKR 50,000. These prizes were a token of appreciation for the participants' exceptional talent and skillful performances.