Reposted and adapted from https://www.hunarnama.org/en/blog/national-skills-university-islamabad-joins-global-initiative-to-enhance-skills-education
The UESCO-UNEVOC and BIBB BILT project team has developed a self-reflection process and a web-based tool that empowers technical and vocational education and training (TVET) providers to anticipate the emerging qualifications and competencies in their operational context. The self-reflection tool (SRT) has been co-developed over 2022-2024 with the active engagement of pilot providers selected from Africa, Asia-Pacific and Europe, with Shenzhen Polytechnic University (SZPU), China included. In 2024, SZPU has been selected as the BILT coach institution for TVET providers in Asia and the Pacific. SZPU invited the National Skills University Islamabad, a pioneer in TVET in the country to become one of the two receiving institutions in Asia and the Pacific to filed-test the self-reflection process in the SRT multiplier phase.
This week, NSU proudly announced its participation in the Bridging Innovation and Learning in TVET (BILT) project's self-reflection process, developed by UNESCO-UNEVOC and BIBB. The NSU's unique role in this project, setting a precedent for educational innovation on an international scale, is a testament to its leadership in the Pakistani technology university landscape.
The inaugural meeting, held on June 25th and attended by national and international members, including Ms. Alexandra Filippova of UNESCO-UNEVOC and Professor Yang Wenming of Shenzhen Polytechnic University, marked the commencement of a collaborative effort. This effort, which includes NSU and a dedicated team of eight members that will be extended to 40, is ready to leverage digitalization and global partnerships to enhance learning outcomes. This collaborative spirit ensures that NSU's educational offerings are refined with a worldwide perspective.
Ms. ZHONG Zhuoya, Programme Officer at UNEVOC Centre, Shenzhen Polytechnic University China, and Ms. Spogmai Shahab, National Skills University Islamabad team coordinator, will jointly facilitate the program's implementation.
"This partnership underscores NSU's commitment to fostering a dynamic learning environment responsive to emerging global competencies," remarked Ms. Filippova, praising NSU's proactive readiness to embrace digital transformation and collaborate internationally.
At the heart of this transformative endeavor is the innovative Self-Reflection Tool (SRT), a web-based platform that will guide NSU through a structured assessment of its capabilities. This tool, designed to identify, integrate, and implement new qualifications and competencies, effectively empowers NSU to tailor its curriculum to meet the industry's current and future demands. An expert team under the leadership of Pro YANG Wenming, UNEVOC Coordinator at the Shenzhen Polytechnic University China, and UNESCO/UNEVOC members from Germany's head office will jointly coach the NSU team on being competitive and world-class institutions in skills education.
The benefits of NSU's participation in the BILT project are immediate and long-term. In the short term, the university anticipates gaining an evidence-based understanding of its strengths and areas for improvement, fostering stronger internal and external dialogues, and forging connections with a global network of TVET providers. Importantly, this project promises long-term advantages, including enhanced digitalization and environmental sustainability readiness, further solidifying NSU's commitment to educational excellence and future readiness. This long-term vision ensures that NSU is well-prepared for the future of skills education.
"Through this initiative, NSU not only elevates its educational offerings but also positions itself as a global leader in TVET innovation," emphasized Professor Yang Wenming, outlining the transformative journey ahead.
According to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mukhtar, As the institution embarks on this transformative path, stakeholders can expect a future where NSU graduates are skilled and equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. For NSU, the journey towards educational excellence and innovation promises a future where skills education meets the demands of tomorrow's workforce with agility and foresight.
