National Skills University Islamabad, Embarking on a Journey of Vocational Excellence with European Partners

On April 30, 2024, the National Skills University Islamabad (NSU) took a pivotal step towards fostering vocational excellence by joining officially the International Self-Assessment Tool for Centres of Vocational Excellence (ISATCOVE). The NSU team, led by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Vice-Chancellor, actively shared insights and strategies such as engaging industry and employers, contributing to the advancement of vocational education alongside other universities across the globe.

The webinar was instrumental in outlining the roadmap of the ISATCOVE initiative. The NSU team's commitment to continuous improvement and a culture of excellence was palpable. Prof. Dr. Mukhtar emphasized the significance of this endeavor in enhancing NSU's educational offerings and preparing skilled professionals for the future.

Key takeaways from the webinar emphasized actionable tasks for NSU's engagement with ISATCOVE. These tasks include the establishment of a dedicated Self-Assessment Team (SAT) to oversee the process, defining and assigning clear responsibilities for each team member, and the setting of comprehensive selection criteria for future vocational programs. This groundwork will ensure an objective and effective self-assessment process, crucial for aligning with international standards and fostering stakeholder engagement.

The European Training Foundation's support underscores the NSU's importance as Centers of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) in elevating the quality and effectiveness of vocational education. ISATCOVE emerges as a vital tool for institutions like NSU, propelling them towards CoVE status and facilitating collaboration on a global scale.

In the words of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, this marks a significant milestone for NSU, embarking on a collaborative journey towards skills assessment with international partners. As NSU navigates this trajectory of excellence, the institution reaffirms its unwavering commitment to shaping the future of vocational education in alignment with global benchmarks. Our future plans include digitalization of TVET, enhancing accessibilty of high earning skills to far flung areas of Pakistan. We are confident that our continued collaboration and dedication to excellence will lead us to new heights in vocational education.