Vocational Training
As per Memorandum and Article of Association, OPF was “to establish, maintain or aid vocational training institutions for providing training in such trades as are in demand overseas”. In order to achieve such objectives OPF launched Vocational Training Program in 1980 and arranged training activity through establishment of its own institutions in various parts of the country. About 60,000 young energetic persons were trained in various marketable skills (Earth Moving / Construction Machinery, Electrician, RAC, Tracer, Civil Draftsman, Quantity Surveyor, Electronics /TV Mechanic, Carpenter, Masson, Plumber, Welder / Steel fixer and IT skills. Vocational Training Institutes were closed in the year 2006. Keeping in view the greater demand of skilled workers abroad, OPF Vocational Training Program was reactivated and training commenced w.e.f. 1st July, 2013, at VTC Peshawar, on the advice of OPF BOG, where training is being imparted in two trades Electrician and Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning.
The main business of VTC is to prepare students upto the standards of international market in vocational training institute in such trades which are job oriented overseas. OPF vocational Training Institute adopt all marketing means to attract students to enroll in Vocational Training Institute, Peshawar
BRIEF
During the meeting of BOG held on 03-05-2013 the matter again came under discussion. After detailed deliberations, the BOG resolved to re-activate OPF Vocational Training Centre (VTC, Peshawar in OPF’s own building. Since reactivation of OPF Vocational Training Program in July, 2013, about 276 persons have been trained till 5th August, 2016, through OPF direct Vocational Training Program, Partially funded by FATA Development Authority (FDA) & National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC). In addition to that, about 211 persons were also trained in collaboration with other institutes such as Technology Up-gradation and Skill Development Company (TUSDEC) and Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF). Currently training in only two trades i.e. Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning and Electrician is being imparted at OPF VTC Peshawar.
On 1st December, 2016 the Training Division was renamed as “Research, Training & Policy Reforms Division (RTPR)” will works on two directions simultaneously i.e. conducting Research on issues/policies related to diaspora and development of the organization. The core objectives are to analyze changing role of Pakistani Diaspora, compiling profiles of prominent Overseas Pakistanis, establishment of OPF library and joint research with different think-tanks and international organizations.
ACHIEVEMENTS
| PERIOD OF OPERATION | NAME OF OPF TRAINING INSTITUTION / OTHER TRAINING INSTITUTE | NAME OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM | NUMBER OF TRAINEES TRAINED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980-2000 | OPF Polytrade Schools (PTSs), Karachi, Islamabad, Swat, Peshawar, Mirpur, Kotli (AJK) and Chakwal. | OPF Regular Vocational Training Program, Prime Minister’s Special Training Program. | 57,000 |
| 1994-1996 | Vocational Training School Projects: Khangarh, Layyah, Hafizabad, Dherki, Rattodero, Gawadar and Faqirwali. | ||
| 2001-2006 | OPF Polytrade Schools (PTSs) Peshawar, Swat and IT Centre Quetta. | Revamped OPF Vocational Training Program. | 2000 |
| 2003 | National University of Modern languages (NUML), Islamabad. Pakistan Institutes of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad. | Capacity Building Program for Trained Nurses. | 179 |
| February,2005 – April,2005 | Construction Machinery Training Institute (CMTI) Rawalpindi. | Training for Earth Moving Machinery Operator. | 60 |
| July,2013 February 2018 | OPF Vocational Training Centre, Peshawar | Direct Training Program, Collaborative Training Program with NAVTCC, FDA and TUSDEC. | 487 |
| March 2018 to November 2024 | OPF Vocational Training Centre, Peshawar |
Two Trades i.e.
Electrician |
187 |
| Grand Total | 59,913 | ||