13 اکتوبر
Press Release

Launch of the First National Accelerator on Closing the Skills Gap in Pakistan

Launch of the First National Accelerator on Closing the Skills Gap in Pakistan

 

July 11, 2019, Islamabad: The Prime Minster met with the visiting President of the World Economic Forum, Mr Borge Brende, at the Prime Minister’s office. At the meeting, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of the National Accelerator on Closing the Skills Gap in Pakistan, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, with Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) serving as its national secretariat.

The World Economic Forum is the international organization for public-private cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. It is independent, impartial and not tied to any special interests. The Forum has established the Centre for New Economy and Society (CNES) to provide leaders with a platform to understand and act on emerging economic and social challenges. The Forum’s Centre for New Economy and Society has partnered with PSDF to work together on the future of education and work by setting up a National Accelerator on Closing the Skills Gap in Pakistan. The Accelerator will aim to increase the employability of the current workforce and increase work-readiness and critical skills in the future workforce.

The National Accelerator will be led and guided by a team of Co-Chairs from the public and private sectors. The Government will be represented by Mr. Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Minister of Education and Professional Training and Mr. Zulfiqar Bukhari, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. The Co-Chairs from the private sector include Ms. Shazia Syed, MD Unilever Pakistan, Mr. Mohammed Aurangzeb, President and CEO, Habib Bank Limited, Mr. Ghias Khan, CEO, Engro Corporation. PSDF CEO, Mr. Jawad Khan, will be the National Coordinator.

Focusing on the most strategic sectors in the economy, the Accelerator will also onboard the CEOs of 50 to 100 leading companies in Pakistan as well as academics, policy makers and technical experts from the education and skills development space. The Centre for New Economy and Society has already established 5 such Accelerators in Argentina, Oman, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and India, with 10 more Accelerators expected by 2020.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister shared his Government’s political and financial commitment to reform the skills development sectors in Pakistan and thanked the World Economic Forum for choosing Pakistan as a founding member of the Closing the Skills Gap National Accelerator initiative. Given its global reach, experience and expertise, the Prime Minister expressed his confidence that the Forum’s engagement will help provide new opportunities for Pakistan’s youth and help them develop new skills to fully embrace the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Mr. Borge Brende, President, World Economic Forum, said: “The launch of the National Accelerator on Closing the Skills Gap is an important milestone in our relationship with Pakistan and it is just the start. Many of Pakistan’s national priorities are the core focus of the Forum’s work. From climate change, water scarcity and connectivity to regional cooperation, the Forum is ready to offer its platform to support Pakistan’s economic transformation.”

Ms. Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director and Head of the Forum’s Centre for New Economy and Society, said: “The Fourth Industrial Revolution will lead to significant change in the employment and skills landscape globally over the coming years – and Pakistan is no exception. Through our Accelerator initiative we look forward to supporting Pakistan with an integrated platform for learning and action to proactively manage this change.”

Mr. Jawad Khan CEO, PSDF, said: “we are truly honoured to be chosen as the national secretariat for the National Accelerator in Pakistan. PSDF is already doing pioneering work in the skills development space to create income generation opportunities for the poor and vulnerable youth. The partnership with the Forum’s CNES will help it benefit from the Forum’s global experience, reach, as well as from the experience of other global accelerators.”

Urdu Preview: Click Here

About PSDF – A Success Story of Public-Private Partnerships:

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is the largest skills development fund in Pakistan. PSDF was established in 2010 as a not-for-profit company set up under the Companies Ordinance 1984 by the Government of Punjab (GoPb) in collaboration with UK’s Department for International Development (DFID). PSDF also exclusively manages the skills training funding of the World Bank.

PSDF’s purpose is to shape the future and well-being of our poor and vulnerable youth by giving them access to skills training of the highest standard so they can find sustainable employment and income-generating opportunities in Pakistan and beyond.

PSDF started its operations in the 4 poorest districts of Punjab. Since 2016, The geographical remit has expanded to the entire 36 districts of Punjab. PSDF has trained almost 300,000 underprivileged youth across Punjab, which includes 180,000+ male and 110,000+ female graduates. These graduates have been trained in approximately 250 demand-driven and market relevant trades across 10 sectors.

PSDF has played a leadership role in creating a skills training market with 90% training partners in the private sector. With 400 training partners that deliver training on behalf of PSDF, out of which over 150 are businesses across the 10 sectors. PSDF has adopted an output-based funding mechanism where it funds contract-to-completion outputs as well as completion-to-income generation outcomes.

 

PSDF – Media Enquiries

Communications Team:
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF),
Contact: +92-42-35752408-10
E-mail: communications@psdf.org.pk

Follow PSDF on Social Media

Website: www.psdf.org.pk
LinkedIn: Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)
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Twitter: @PSDF_official
YouTube: /punjabskillsdevelopmentfund

13 اکتوبر
Press Release

Atlantis, The Palm signs MoU with Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)

PSDF WILL TRAIN THE WORKFORCE ACROSS LEADING HOSPITALITY SEGMENTS, WHILST ATLANTIS, THE PALM WILL EMPLOY THEM IN VARIOUS ROLES ACROSS THE RESORT

Lahore, Pakistan – Dubai’s leading entertainment resort Atlantis, The Palm has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) with the aim of hiring and training staff from Punjab, Pakistan. The agreement was signed between Mr. Timothy Kelly, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Atlantis The Palm and The Royal Atlantis and Mr. Jawad Khan, Chief Executive Officer PSDF at the Atlantis, The Palm.

The two parties are committed to creating a prosperous partnership to give workers from Punjab the chance to grow their careers within one of Gulf’s most iconic resorts. In accordance with the agreement, PSDF will train the workforce across leading hospitality segments, while Atlantis will employ them in various roles across the resort. The move will create a range of exciting job opportunities for workers from Punjab while Atlantis will benefit from a workforce of talented and dedicated staff.

Mr. Timothy Kelly, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Atlantis The Palm and The Royal Atlantis said, “It is a pleasure to sign this MoU, which is in line with the Year of Tolerance. As one of the leading entertainment resorts in the world, Atlantis, The Palm has always been at the forefront, employing people from different nationalities, which serves as a strong pillar for our successful operations. We are confident that this new agreement will strengthen ties and broaden cooperation between the UAE and Pakistan,”

Mr. Jawad Khan, CEO PSDF said, “Atlantis, The Palm, is the biggest brand in the luxury resort business and it is indeed a great opportunity for professionals from the hospitality industry to work at the resort. We are very excited to train a skilled workforce and remain confident that Atlantis, The Palm will find them to be amongst the best trained.”

Urdu Preview: Click Here

About PSDF:
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is a section 42 not-for- profit company established in 2010 under the Companies Ordinance 1984 by the Government of the Punjab in partnership with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID, UK). The World Bank is also providing funds to the Punjab Government for the trainings to be funded by PSDF. PSDF aims to provide quality skills and vocational training opportunities to the poor and vulnerable populations of all the 36 districts of Punjab in order to improve livelihood prospects for them. Since its establishment in 2011, PSDF has trained more than 227,000 youth in over 200 trades by engaging 250+ private & public sector training providers. Over the next 5 years, we are on a mission to train over 400,000 youth across Punjab that will be employed in Pakistan and abroad.

Communications Team
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)
Contact: +92-42-35752408-10
E-mail: communications@psdf.org.pk

13 اکتوبر
Press Release

Capturing Skilled Jobs for Pakistanis in Gulf Countries

October 18, 2018 – Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) organized an International Conference on ‘Employment Opportunities for skilled Pakistanis in the Gulf’ at a local hotel in Lahore. Mr Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Education Minister of Education and Professional Training delivered the Keynote Address via audio link. Mr. Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht, Minister for Finance – Punjab was the Chief Guest at the event and Mr. Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra, Minister for Finance – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also participated in the Conference via video link.

From left to right: Mr. Jawad Khan – CEO, PSDF; Dr. Ali Cheema – Associate Professor of Economics and Political Science, LUMS; Mr. Mohammed Ali Khan – Senior Education Specialist, International Finance Corporation; Mr. Dirk Schmautzer – Partner and Co-Head of Global Education Practice, McKinsey & Company; Mr. Makhdum Hashim Bakht – Minister for Finance, Punjab; Ms. Zahra Khan – Global Head of Partnerships, Generation You Employed; Ms. Fatimah Afzal – Private Sector Development Advisor, DFID (UK AID); Dr. Tahir Andrabi, Dean, School of Education. LUMS

In 2017, the foreign remittances received in Pakistan accounted to USD 20 billion, and 60% of this came from the Gulf countries. However, given the shift in employer demands, labour indigenization efforts and increased competition from countries like the Philippines, Sri Lanka and India, the employment landscape in the Gulf countries is already undergoing a significant shift.

The PSDF Conference was based on a detailed study that was commissioned by the organization to understand the changing employment landscape in the Gulf countries by identifying the skills gaps and skills readjustment, required by Pakistani talent to retain and capture a larger share of the job market in the Gulf.

The Conference included panel discussions which were attended by leaders of the local business industry, government officials, academia and international speakers from the US and UK. The power-packed panels discussed and debated the future of skills in the era of the 4th industrial revolution, the high potential industries and sectors in the Gulf countries and the importance of soft skills training in addition to technical training in capturing higher paid jobs. The Conference also touched upon the role of overseas employment operators (OEPs) and the Government agencies in bridging the gap between employer needs and employee training programs. The detailed report published by PSDF is made available on its official website in downloadable format for the general public.

In his address to the Conference participants, Mr. Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, stated that the governance, standards and quality assurance of the TVET across Pakistan need to be upgraded and a Task Force has been constituted to make concrete recommendations. Mr. Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht, Minister for Finance – Punjab appreciated the efforts of PSDF saying “the Conference has touched upon a very important issue that requires immediate attention and the Government looks forward to working on the recommendations derived from the Conference”. He also added that this initiative is line with the Government’s focus on ensuring overseas Pakistani workers’ welfare.

Mr. Jawad Khan, CEO, PSDF highlighted that “PSDF has adopted a results-based funding mechanism and is actively managing the entire skills value chain to train and employ skilled Pakistani youth in the Gulf”. With its aim to provide quality skills and vocational training opportunities to the poor and vulnerable people of Punjab, PSDF is geared up to work with all relevant stakeholders in the public and private sector to help Pakistanis capitalize on the vast ocean of opportunities available to our workers in the Gulf.

Urdu Preview: Click Here

About PSDF:
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is a section 42 not-for- profit company established in 2010 under the Companies Ordinance 1984 by the Government of the Punjab in partnership with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID, UK). The World Bank is also providing funds to the Punjab Government for the trainings to be funded by PSDF. PSDF aims to provide quality skills and vocational training opportunities to the poor and vulnerable populations of all the 36 districts of Punjab in order to improve livelihood prospects for them. Since its establishment in 2011, PSDF has trained more than 227,000 youth in over 200 trades by engaging 250+ private & public sector training providers. Over the next 5 years, we are on a mission to train over 400,000 youth across Punjab that will be employed in Pakistan and abroad.

Communications Team
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)
Contact: +92-42-35752408-10
E-mail: communications@psdf.org.pk

13 اکتوبر
Press Release

Punjab Skills Development Fund and Generation launch partnership to bring successful global demand-driven employment program to Pakistan

The new effort will connect unemployed and underemployed
young adults with training and jobs starting later this year

Feb 2018 (Washington DC, USA): Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) and Generation have joined forces to address the challenges facing young people who are seeking to connect with the job market. Together, the two leading organizations will bring a proven, innovative model—the Generation program—to Pakistan.

The partnership would launch a joint program in Lahore, expanding to additional locations in the future, to reach 2,500 young adults with the Generation program during the pilot phase. The organizations are currently evaluating the sectors and professions to target, including garments industry, healthcare, financial services, customer service, and digital jobs. The new program will seek to partner with local and national employers in the target sectors to identify job vacancies and deliver great talent.

“PSDF has developed a strong reputation for delivering skills programs guided by evidence on what works. We are now partnering with Generation, a world-renowned nonprofit, to incorporate proven international experience into our training programs to raise the productivity of firms across Punjab,” said Dr. Ijaz Nabi, Chairman PSDF.

“Generation is successfully delivering skilled graduates for employers in countries across four continents. PSDF is delivering innovative solutions to maximize income generation results for its graduates. It is this shared purpose and mindset of our two organizations that brings us together. PSDF brings Generation to Pakistan. This partnership will ensure that PSDF-funded programs and its graduates benefit from the globally proven methodology and tools used by Generation around the world,” said Jawad Khan, CEO PSDF

From left to right: Dr. Mona Mourshed, President and CEO of Generation, Dr. Ijaz Nabi, Chairman PSDF and Mr. Jawad Khan, CEO PSDF at the contract signing ceremony.

“This is an exciting start to the year for Generation, expanding from our original five countries into new geographies,” said Mona Mourshed, President and CEO of Generation. “We’re honored to be working with an organization as respected and innovative as PSDF to bring Generation’s proven approach to Pakistan for the first time.”

Generation is a demand-driven employment program that recruits, trains, and places young people in jobs. Working closely with employers, Generation has established programs across 20 professions and four sectors. The participants of the new program in Pakistan will join more than 17,000 existing graduates across five countries—India, Kenya, Mexico, Spain and the United States. Of those graduates, 83% of them have jobs within three months of graduation and more than 70% remain employed a year later. On average, graduates make two to six times the income after Generation than they did before, and collectively Generation’s graduates have earned more than US$55 million in salaries.

Participants in the Generation program complete an intensive 4 to 12-week “bootcamp-style” training that integrates technical skills along with behavioral and mindset skills, helping students overcome both workplace and personal challenges. After successfully completing the program, students are guaranteed job interviews with employer partners. Employers see a return on their investment, with 98% percent of hiring employers say that they would hire a Generation graduate again and 88% saying that Generation graduates outperform their peers.

The new program in Lahore will launch officially in the second quarter of the year. For now, interested partners or employers can learn more by contacting info@generation.org.

Urdu Preview: Click Here

About PSDF:

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is a section 42 not-for-profit company established in 2010 under the Companies Ordinance 1984 by the Government of the Punjab in partnership with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID, UK). The World Bank is also providing funds to the Punjab Government for the trainings to be funded by PSDF. PSDF aims to provide quality skills and vocational training opportunities to the poor and vulnerable populations of all the 36 districts of Punjab in order to improve livelihood prospects for them. Since its establishment in 2011, PSDF has trained 250,000 youth in over 200 trades and it works with over 250 private & public sector training providers. Over the next 5 years, it will be training over 400,000 youth across Punjab that will be employed in Pakistan and abroad.

Communications Team
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)
Contact: +92-42-35752408-10
E-mail: communications@psdf.org.pk

About Generation:

Today, more than 75 million young adults are out of work globally, and three times as many are underemployed. At the same time, 40 percent of employers say a skills shortage is leaving them with entry-level vacancies. Generation is a youth employment nonprofit with a dual mission to empower young people to build thriving, sustainable careers and to provide employers the highly skilled, motivated talent they need. The first active programs have been in India, Kenya, Mexico, Spain, and the US, and Generation is launching in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Pakistan to start 2018. The organization was founded by McKinsey & Company in 2014.

Communications Team
E-mail: media@generation.org

13 اکتوبر
Press Release

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) launches Skills Activation Campaign in Punjab

Lahore, November 21, 2017: To introduce the youth of Punjab to technical & vocational skills education and opportunities, Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has successfully launched phase one of a Skills Activation Campaign (pilot-run) in collaboration with the School Education Department (SED), with focus on the Higher Secondary Schools.

The launch ceremony for the campaign was held at Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GGHSS) Allama Iqbal Town (Umar Block), Lahore. The Minister for Education, Mr. Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan inaugurated the campaign as the Chief Guest, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

While addressing at the ceremony, Mr. Rana Mashhood said, “Successful nations pay great attention and importance to technical & vocational skills education. The Chief Minister of Punjab, Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif is also passionate about creating opportunities for our youth to attain quality education as well as technical & vocational skills. I congratulate PSDF for taking the Chief Minister’s vision and mission forward.”

During the pilot phase, this campaign will be launched in five districts of Punjab; including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Rawalpindi, and Multan, and will cover 50 higher secondary schools. The objective of the campaign is to introduce the benefits of technical & vocational training and linkages to promising formal and self-employment opportunities at the right time. This campaign for Skills Activation is the first step towards sensitising our youth about the benefits of vocational training.

While sharing his thoughts with the students, Mr. Jawad Khan, CEO PSDF said: “PSDF will not just provide you with training opportunities, we also promise to help you secure suitable employment or self-employment opportunities. PSDF is here to facilitate you on this journey but the onus is on you now to choose the best path for yourself, because your skill is your power.”

By conducting the same activity in 50 schools across the selected districts of Punjab, PSDF hopes to motivate more students to sign up for technical & vocational education and pursue sustainable income generation opportunities.
Through this collaboration, SED and PSDF also hope to contribute to the skills development sector by developing a vocational curriculum and Training Learning Resources (TLRs), introducing soft skills modules and Teachers Training, and sponsor results-oriented research to improve TVET outcomes in schools.

For Urdu Preview

About PSDF:
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is a section 42 not-for- profit company established in 2010 under the Companies Ordinance 1984 by the Government of the Punjab in partnership with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID, UK). The World Bank is also providing funds to the Punjab Government for the trainings to be funded by PSDF. PSDF aims to provide quality skills and vocational training opportunities to the poor and vulnerable populations of all the 36 districts of Punjab in order to improve livelihood prospects for them. Since its establishment in 2011, PSDF has trained more than 227,000 youth in over 200 trades by engaging 250+ private & public sector training providers. Over the next 5 years, we are on a mission to train over 400,000 youth across Punjab that will be employed in Pakistan and abroad.

Communications Team
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)
Contact: +92-42-35752408-10
E-mail: communications@psdf.org.pk

13 اکتوبر
Press Release

Empowering Lives: PSDF launches its first dedicated Program for Urban Females

September, 2017 (Lahore): Continuing with its effort to introduce customised programs to boost employment opportunities for women, Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) recently launched its first dedicated Program for women residing in urban areas across selected districts of Punjab.

To kick-off the Program activities, PSDF hosted a contract signing ceremony on Wednesday, September 06, 2017; to formalize its relationship with the twenty-two qualifying Training Service Providers (TSPs). The Program is titled, “Women Focused Employment Driven Training”.

In the Picture: CEO PSDF, Mr. Jawad Khan and Minister for Industries, Commerce & Investment, Mr. Sheikh Alauddin, with the qualifying training service providers and PSDF team.

The Minister for Industries, Commerce & Investment, Mr. Sheikh Alauddin who was present at the ceremony as Chief Guest, said: “I feel proud to chair this ceremony because PSDF has taken an initiative to not just train our poor and vulnerable sisters and daughters in technical and vocational skills but also link them with sustainable employment opportunities. A lot of programs designed for women in urban areas stop at training only without formalizing the employment outcomes.”

While addressing the TSPs, he further added: “I want to congratulate all the participating training providers who have made a commitment to employ the successful trainees under this Program. The TSPs must not consider this as a training contract but take pride in the fact that you are making a direct contribution to the national cause.”

The specific objective of the program is to train women in skills for different sectors of the economy (including Service, Education, Textile, Health, Hospitality, Information & Communication, Leather and Sports) for increasing their access to jobs and enhancing income earning opportunities. Total enrolment target of women under the scheme for a year is over 10,000. Women of age 18 years & above and belonging to any district of Punjab will be able to participate in this program. Trainees will be provided with a monthly stipend of Rs.1500 along with uniforms & bags. Classes under the program will commence from October 2017 and continue till September 2018.
While speaking at the occasion, CEO PSDF, Mr. Jawad Khan said: “PSDF continuously pushes for high quality trainings and rewards quality training providers with a competitive return on investment. With the launch of this program, we hope to position PSDF as financier of quality employment driven training programs, with special focus on engaging more women and mainstreaming them into sustainable employment opportunities.”

About PSDF:
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is a section 42 not-for-profit company established in 2010 under the Companies Ordinance 1984 by the Government of the Punjab in partnership with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID, UK). The World Bank is also providing funds to the Punjab Government for the trainings to be funded by PSDF. PSDF aims to provide quality skills and vocational training opportunities to the poor and vulnerable populations of all the 36 districts of Punjab in order to improve livelihood prospects for them. Since its establishment in 2011, PSDF has trained 200,000 youth in over 200 trades and it works with over 250 private & public sector training providers. Over the next 5 years, we will be training over 400,000 youth across Punjab that will be employed in Pakistan and abroad.

Communications Team
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)
Contact: +92-42-35752408-10
E-mail: communications@psdf.org.pk

13 اکتوبر
Press Release

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) and Uber signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

Skills on Wheels: PSDF and Uber to work on self-employment opportunities in Transport Sector

Lahore: Under the direction of the Chief Minister of the Punjab, Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif; Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has taken concrete steps to create income generating opportunities for the unemployed youth of Punjab. PSDF and Uber signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and announced to work together towards enhancing economic opportunities in the transport sector of Punjab.

L-R: Mr. Faisal Fareed – Board Member, PSDF & Managing Director, Maxim International; Mr. Safee Shah – General Manager, Uber Pakistan; Mr. Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan – Minister for Education; Mr. Pierre Dimitri Gore-Coty - Head of Uber Operations Europe, Middle East and Africa; Mr. Jawad Khan – Chief Executive Officer, PSDF; Mr. Anthony Le Roux - General Manager Uber, Middle East & Africa; Mr. Ghassan Haddad - Head of Uber, Public Policy Middle East, Turkey and Pakistan.

L-R: Mr. Faisal Fareed – Board Member, PSDF & Managing Director, Maxim International; Mr. Safee Shah – General Manager, Uber Pakistan; Mr. Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan – Minister for Education; Mr. Pierre Dimitri Gore-Coty – Head of Uber Operations Europe, Middle East and Africa; Mr. Jawad Khan – Chief Executive Officer, PSDF; Mr. Anthony Le Roux – General Manager Uber, Middle East & Africa; Mr. Ghassan Haddad – Head of Uber, Public Policy Middle East, Turkey and Pakistan.

The Minister for Education, Mr. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, who was present at the ceremony said: “I congratulate PSDF and Uber on this occasion and sincerely hope that this partnership will reap great benefits for the youth of Punjab; as the creation of self-employment opportunities are very close to the Chief Minister’s heart.”

Through this collaboration, young job seekers as well as those generating low income will be provided with the necessary skills so that they can benefit from the opportunities that Uber offers in Pakistan.

By running a mass mobilization campaign within Punjab, a trainee pool will be developed and trained in line with a curriculum approved by Uber. These trainings, supported by PSDF, will be designed to help candidates in developing their technical, operational and entrepreneurial expertise, as well as skills that are necessary to ensure the safety and security of Uber’s riders. Once trained, these candidates will then be introduced to and integrated with Uber’s technology system. Talks are also underway to engage the identified trainee pool for selected opportunities overseas.

Along with this, both parties also intend to undertake a survey in Punjab to determine the role that new technologies in the shared economy can play in supporting large-scale economic opportunity generation in the transport sector.

Upon signing this agreement with Uber, Mr. Jawad Khan, CEO PSDF said, “I am delighted with this latest development and hope that the results will bring us one step closer to achieving the goal that PSDF strives for. Creating income generating opportunities with technology companies is a key priority for PSDF so that we can empower the youth by providing them with carefully designed training opportunities, and creating linkages between them and potential employers.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty, Head of EMEA Uber said, “We are really excited about the kind of momentum we are building across Pakistan especially in partnership with departments affiliated with the Government, such as PSDF, who are working tirelessly towards disseminating and enhancing essential technical skills amongst the youth of Punjab. With the signing of this MOU Uber aims to utilize the huge talent pool being generated by PSDF, build on Uber’s pool of partners/drivers to provide more safe, reliable and affordable transport to our riders. We believe that by working closely with Mr. Jawad Khan and his team Uber will be able to generate greater economic opportunities in the province and encourage entrepreneurship amongst the youth.”

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13 اکتوبر
Press Release

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) Remits Workforce to the Gulf

Lahore: Under the direction of the Chief Minister of the Punjab, Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif; Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has taken concrete steps to create employment opportunities in the Gulf for skilled workforce of Punjab. PSDF and Rotana have signed a landmark agreement to employ skilled workforce in their hotels & resorts that has been trained under the PSDF banner.

L-R: Mr. Jawad Khan, CEO PSDF and Mr. Omer Kaddouri, President & CEO Rotana.

L-R: Mr. Jawad Khan, CEO PSDF and Mr. Omer Kaddouri, President & CEO Rotana.

With properties operational across the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, Rotana is counted amongst the leading hotel management companies, offering five and four-star products. Earlier this year, PSDF inked an agreement with Rotana with an understanding to provide skilled individuals from the hospitality sector in the trades of Housekeeping, Waiters/Waitresses and Commis – Chefs at various Rotana hotels & resorts. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Mr. Jawad Khan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) PSDF and Mr. Omer Kaddouri, President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rotana.

By employing a rigorous selection process, PSDF shortlisted a pool of the finest candidates from various districts of Punjab. This joint collaboration between PSDF and Rotana is expected to benefit 75+ candidates in the first phase of training and employment.

On this remarkable achievement, Mr. Jawad Khan, CEO PSDF said, “Our partnership with Rotana is a testament to the high quality of training on international standards that PSDF is providing to the youth in Punjab. Rotana is one of the leading hospitality brands in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey and would hire only the best. Choosing PSDF as a partner for their hiring needs in Pakistan is a vote of confidence for us at PSDF as we continue to create more employment opportunities for our youth in the Gulf.”

Commenting on this collaboration, Mr. Omer Kaddouri, President &CEO Rotana said, “With our aggressive expansion plan, we are always on the search for talent and our agreement with a highly reputable company such as PSDF will certainly assist us to attract the right calibre for our hotels & resorts”.

For Urdu Preview, please click on the link below:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/o9c05l7g09o6o3d/PSDF%20%281%29.JPG?dl=0

About PSDF:
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is a section 42 not-for-profit company established in 2010 under the Companies Ordinance 1984 by the Government of the Punjab in partnership with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID, UK). The World Bank is also providing funds to the Punjab Government for the trainings to be funded by PSDF. PSDF aims to provide quality skills and vocational training opportunities to the poor and vulnerable populations of all the 36 districts of Punjab in order to improve livelihood prospects for them. Since its establishment in 2011, PSDF has trained 150,000 youth in over 200 trades and it works with over 250 private and public sector training providers. Over the next 5 years, we will be training over 400,000 youth across Punjab that will be employed in Pakistan and abroad.
Web: psdf.org.pk/oldwebsite

About Rotana:
Rotana currently manages a portfolio of over 100 properties throughout the Middle East, Africa and Turkey with an aggressive expansion plan in place. Rotana has chosen to acknowledge how precious time is by making all time spent in their range of hotels ‘Treasured Time’. This means Rotana has pledged to understand and meet the individual needs of all guests. In so doing, Rotana has evolved its product brands to include, Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Centro Hotels by Rotana, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana, Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana and The Residences by Rotana. Treasured Time. The Rotana promise to you.
Further information on any Rotana property, its brands or reservations can be obtained by visiting rotana.com or by contacting one of the regional sales offices.

For Media Queries:
Communications Team, Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) Contact: +92-42-35752408-10

13 اکتوبر
Press Release

Contract Signing with Metro Cash & Carry International Holding BV

LAHORE: A contract signing ceremony between Punjab Skills Development Fund and Metro Cash & Carry International Holding BV took place at the PSDF Lahore Office. The Chief Executive Officer (PSDF) Mr. Jawad Khan signed the contract with the Managing Director Metro Cash & Carry Mr. Marek Minkiewics for imparting agricultural skills training under the scheme of “Big Push for Rural Economy – Agriculture Sector”. Director Metro Cash & Carry Mr. Pervaiz Akhtar, Head of Legal & Company Secretary Metro Cash & Carry Mr. Asad Malik, Chief Operating Officer Star Farm Pakistan, Member of Metro Group Mr. Muhammad Zeshan Saqib, Manager Marketing Star Farm Pakistan, Member of Metro Group Mr. Hasnain Hyder, Chief Operating Officer PSDF Mr. Ali Akbar Bosan and Manager Program Development PSDF Mr. Aftab Ahmad were also present at the occasion. Under the contract Metro Cash & Carry International will provide agricultural skills training to over 10,000 men and 2,000 women of 4 districts of Southern Punjab i.e. Bahawlapur, Bahawalnagar, Lodhran and Muzaffargarh. Both General and Specialized agricultural skills training will be imparted to the active agriculturists who aspire to achieve production complementarities in cotton, wheat & vegetables. With the General agricultural training there will be an expected increase of 10% – 15% in the production of cotton and wheat accompanied with the average increase of Rs.10,000 – Rs. 23,000 in household income. Moreover, under the Specialized agricultural training there will be an expected increase of 12% -17% in the earnings of the project beneficiaries as well. The trainings will enhance and cover the entire value chain across the agriculture sector. Since, agriculture sector accounts for 25.3% of the country’s total GDP with gradual declines experienced in the past as well, which is why this sector needs consistent consideration for such agricultural skills practices to be implemented in order to achieve the economies of scale with supplemented productions per acre. Majority of the country’s population is either directly or indirectly dependent upon agriculture sector which is the largest source of foreign exchange earnings as well. Therefore, the training imparted under the contract will not only help the farmers with supplemented productions and revenues but will also be equally beneficial to boost the country’s overall economy.

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Press Release

Certificate Distribution Ceremony of PSDF-funded trainees held at National College of Arts

LAHORE: The National College of Arts (NCA) organized a certificate distribution ceremony for trainees, funded by Punjab Skills Development Fund, at the Shakir Ali Auditorium, National College of Arts here. The chief guest of the ceremony was Minister for Labor & Human Resource, Government of the Punjab, Raja Ashfaq Sarwar. A total of 112 trainees belonging from various districts of the Punjab received their certificates. These trainees have been trained in six different employable trades by NCA.

These trainings were funded by Punjab Skills Development Fund under its scheme, Skills for Employability. CEO PSDF Mr. Ali Sarfraz & Principal NCA Prof. Dr. Murtaza Jafri were also present at the occasion. These trainings were imparted in six courses – Ceramics Product Design, Furniture Design, Non Linear Editing Level-II, Photography, Prototype Development, Wood Work.

“It gives me immense pleasure to be among the students who have been trained by the National College of Arts and learnt new skills,” Raja Ashfaq Sarwar said while addressing the successful students. He expressed his gratitude over the efforts by the Principal NCA for this initiative and said that he is delightful to see that the National College of Arts has taken a positive step by supporting Government of the Punjab’s efforts for promotion of vocational & technical skills in the province. He also appreciated PSDF’s efforts for providing funding to eligible trainees so that they can learn new skills that would enable them to augment their job prospects. He said that he is very optimistic that the successful students would be able to earn livelihood for their families after joining job market.

CEO PSDF Ali Sarfraz congratulated the NCA management for being a training service provider for the PSDF scheme. He was of the opinion that national institutes such as NCA cay play an important role in promoting vocational education among people.  “I would like to stress over the point that the students should make genuine efforts to secure jobs in the job market so that they are able to play their role in the Punjab’s economy,” said Ali Sarfraz.

In the perseverance to further effectuate its efforts for skills development, Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) launched the scheme, Skills for Employability, for residents of the 14 districts of the Punjab. For the scheme, contracts were awarded to 75 training service providers for training of 14,415 candidates. These contracts were awarded to a multitude of training service providers from both public and private sector to deliver quality training services.

The scheme is a sequel of the Fund’s earlier scheme, Skills for Employability, which was launched in 2011. In the preceding round, more than 15,000 completed their trainings in numerous vocational trades.

Punjab Skills development Fund (PSDF) is a section 42 company, established by the Government of the Punjab in partnership with the Department for International Development (DFID), UK. PSDF funds vocational training organisations to provide vocational and skills training to the poor and the vulnerable populations of the Punjab. Until now, PSDF has funded trainings of 110,935 men and women from its target districts of the Punjab under its various schemes for skills development.

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