Providing Overseas Employment Opportunities to Educated Unemployed Youth Is Our Top Priority: Dr. Zahid Kamal

MARDAN: Dr. Zahid Kamal, Chief Executive Officer (Safety) of Smart Training and Consultancy Services (STCS), Peshawar, has said that providing dignified employment opportunities to Pakistan’s educated but unemployed youth, equipping them with internationally recognized technical skills, and preparing them to meet the demands of the global job market are the institution’s foremost priorities and core mission.He stated that in today’s competitive world, an academic degree alone is no longer sufficient to guarantee success. Professional skills, practical experience, international safety standards, and modern technical training are essential for building successful careers both within Pakistan and abroad.In a statement, Dr. Zahid Kamal said that under its Vision 2030, Smart Training and Consultancy Services (STCS) aims to facilitate employment opportunities for 100,000 young people. To achieve this objective, the organization is providing internationally recognized safety courses, industrial training, career counseling, skills development programs, and professional guidance for overseas employment, enabling young professionals to compete effectively in the global workforce.He noted that unemployment has become a serious social and economic challenge in Pakistan, affecting thousands of educated young people. Every year, a large number of university and college graduates struggle to secure suitable employment due to a lack of practical skills and professional training. Recognizing this challenge, STCS launched internationally accredited safety courses and vocational training programs, which have produced highly encouraging and positive results.Dr. Kamal revealed that the organization has so far trained more than 32,000 young individuals through safety certification programs, technical skill development, and practical training. A significant number of these trained professionals are now successfully employed across Europe, the Middle East, Gulf countries, and other international markets in sectors such as construction, engineering, oil and gas, manufacturing, industrial safety, infrastructure, and various other industries.He said these skilled professionals are earning substantial monthly incomes, supporting their families, contributing valuable foreign exchange to Pakistan, and playing an important role in strengthening the national economy. According to him, the growing success of Pakistani skilled workers abroad clearly demonstrates that with quality training and proper career guidance, Pakistani youth can excel and prove their capabilities anywhere in the world.Dr. Zahid Kamal further emphasized that the institution’s mission extends beyond providing training. STCS is committed to offering comprehensive career planning, practical guidance, interview preparation, internationally benchmarked skill development, and access to quality overseas employment opportunities. He said the institution not only awards certificates but also ensures that trainees receive the guidance and support needed to succeed in their professional careers.He stressed that deserving, orphaned, underprivileged, and financially challenged educated youth should also be given equal opportunities to progress. Keeping this objective in mind, STCS offers safety courses and vocational training at highly affordable and subsidized fees so that financial hardship does not become an obstacle to anyone’s future. He assured that the organization would continue introducing special training programs, discounted packages, and welfare-oriented initiatives for deserving youth.Dr. Kamal urged parents and young people not to rely solely on conventional education but also to acquire modern technical skills, international safety certifications, digital competencies, and professional training, as the global demand for skilled manpower continues to grow. He remarked that the future belongs to those who are equipped with modern technology, professional expertise, and internationally recognized qualifications.He further stated that Pakistan possesses one of the world’s largest youth populations, and if this demographic is provided with quality technical education, advanced skills, and access to international employment opportunities, the country can significantly reduce unemployment while boosting exports, foreign exchange earnings, industrial development, and overall economic stability.Concluding his statement, Dr. Zahid Kamal appealed to the federal and provincial governments, industrial organizations, the private sector, educational institutions, and international organizations to work together in promoting technical and vocational education, enhancing youth skills, launching modern training programs, and expanding overseas employment opportunities. He said such collaborative efforts would empower Pakistan’s youth to realize their full potential, secure respectable employment, and make meaningful contributions toward the country’s sustainable economic growth and prosperity.