A delegation comprising the top management team of the Skills Development & Entrepreneurship Department (SD&ED), Government of Punjab, visited the COTHM Head Office, where it was hosted by Mr. Ahmad Shafiq, President & CEO of COTHM Global, to explore opportunities for strategic cooperation in skills development, employment and entrepreneurship.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration aimed at creating improved pathways for young people across Punjab to acquire relevant skills, access employment opportunities, develop entrepreneurial capabilities and build sustainable careers.
Discussions highlighted the importance of connecting skills development with practical economic opportunities. The proposed collaboration seeks to strengthen the pathway from skills to employment, employment to entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship to sustainable livelihoods, enabling young people to translate professional competencies into meaningful career and economic opportunities.
The engagement also explored areas where public-sector initiatives and industry-oriented education can work together to address emerging workforce requirements. Greater alignment between training programmes, employer expectations and career opportunities can help young professionals develop skills that are relevant to changing labour-market needs.
The participation of SD&ED leadership and COTHM management provided a platform for discussing potential areas of cooperation related to skills development, employability, entrepreneurship and youth career development. The meeting also reflected the importance of stronger institutional linkages in supporting young people as they transition from education and training into professional and entrepreneurial environments.
COTHM, with its focus on hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, travel and aviation, baking and patisserie, and other career-oriented programmes, continues to emphasise practical and industry-linked skills development.
The engagement with the Government of Punjab’s Skills Development & Entrepreneurship Department represents a shared focus on expanding opportunities for young people and strengthening connections between training, employment and economic participation.
The discussions concluded with an emphasis on continued cooperation and exploring practical avenues through which skills development can contribute to youth empowerment, employability, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic opportunities across Punjab.
