By Dr Ansab Ali, Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: National Grid Pakistan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) Punjab to strengthen academia-industry collaboration and develop a globally competitive workforce for the power and energy sector.

Managing Director National Grid Pakistan, Engr. Altaf Hussain Malik, and Chairman TEVTA, Brig. (Retd.) Muhammad Sajid Khokhar, SI (M), signed the MoU at the TEVTA Secretariat in Lahore. Senior management representatives from both organizations attended the ceremony.

Under the agreement, the two organizations will collaborate on competency-based training, curriculum development, Training of Trainers (ToT), on-the-job training, internships, industrial visits and employment linkages to equip students with industry-relevant skills.

Speaking on the occasion, Engr. Altaf Hussain Malik said training and skills enhancement were among his key priorities, with particular emphasis on promoting a strong safety culture and developing practical skills. He assured TEVTA of National Grid Pakistan’s full cooperation and announced that a joint committee would be constituted to ensure effective implementation of the collaboration.

Chairman TEVTA Brig. (Retd.) Muhammad Sajid Khokhar welcomed the partnership, describing the MoU as a significant step towards bridging the gap between academia and industry.

He said the collaboration would benefit both organizations and create new opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, while helping prepare a skilled workforce to meet the evolving needs of the power and energy sector.