The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), under the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the College of Tourism & Hotel Management (COTHM) Pakistan, has successfully completed its fully funded Skills Development Program, empowering 1,350 young Pakistanis with practical, industry-oriented training across 17 COTHM campuses nationwide.
The six-month initiative represents one of Pakistan’s most impactful technical and vocational education programmes, equipping participants with professional skills, practical experience, and career readiness to secure employment, launch entrepreneurial ventures, and contribute to the country’s growing hospitality and tourism industry.
The programme was successfully conducted at the following COTHM campuses:
- COTHM Jail Road
- COTHM Harbanspura
- COTHM Johar Town
- COTHM Okara
- COTHM Gujranwala
- COTHM Sialkot
- COTHM Sarai Alamgir
- COTHM Rahim Yar Khan
- COTHM Gulgasht Multan
- COTHM Main Multan
- COTHM Bahawalpur
- COTHM Rawalpindi
- COTHM Skardu
- COTHM Faisalabad
- COTHM Sargodha
- COTHM Karachi
- COTHM Sahiwal
Throughout the programme, trainees received comprehensive practical education in some of the hospitality industry’s most in-demand disciplines, including:
- Culinary Arts
- Professional Cook
- Bakery & Patisserie
- Barista Skills
- Travel & Tourism Management
- Restaurant Management
- Front Office Operations
The initiative reflects the Government of Pakistan’s vision, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, to invest in the country’s greatest asset—its youth. By promoting technical and vocational education, the government aims to reduce unemployment, encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen workforce productivity, increase exports, and support sustainable economic growth.
One of the programme’s most inspiring achievements was the outstanding participation of female trainees. Hundreds of young women successfully completed professional training, gaining technical expertise, confidence, and financial independence. Today, many graduates are employed in hotels, restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and tourism organizations, while others have established successful home-based and commercial businesses, becoming role models within their communities.
Recognizing that professional success requires more than technical skills, COTHM’s Human Resources Department delivered comprehensive employability and career development sessions for all participants. These sessions covered professional certification, labour market awareness, workplace ethics, grooming, business etiquette, CV writing, interview preparation, probation management, and career opportunities in both Pakistan and international markets.
To further strengthen employment outcomes, COTHM organized recruitment drives and employer interviews with leading hospitality organizations, providing graduates with direct access to internships and career opportunities. These strong industry partnerships enabled many participants to secure employment immediately after completing their training.
The successful completion of the NAVTTC-funded Skills Development Program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the Government of Pakistan, NAVTTC, and COTHM Pakistan in developing a skilled workforce capable of meeting national and international industry demands. By combining practical education, professional development, and direct industry engagement, the programme has transformed the lives of 1,350 young Pakistanis, empowering them to build sustainable careers, create businesses, and contribute to Pakistan’s economic prosperity.
As Pakistan continues to move toward a knowledge-based and skill-driven economy, initiatives like this stand as a shining example of how investment in technical and vocational education can unlock the immense potential of the nation’s youth and build a stronger, more competitive future.
