SAHIWAL: The Technical Education and Vocational Authority (TEVTA), the Higher Education Department and Punjab School Education Department in collaboration with the Industries Department have initiated a threemonth free technical skills course at public sector colleges and schools in nine major cities of Punjab.

Titled Summer Skill Development Course, it would be introduced in Multan, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Sahiwal.

TEVTA Chief Operating Officer Khawar Shahzad told Dawn by phone the programme was approved at a high-level meeting also attended by officials of three main departments.

Mr Khawar said TEVTA had allocated Rs12 million for the free-of-cost course for students of 9th, 10th, first and second years.

Around 14 trades would be offered for skill development in electrician, plumbing, heating ventilation, air conditioning, tailoring, computer application, beautician, safety inspector, cooking, gardening, kitchen gardening, embroidery, off set printing, CNC machine, home appliances, etc.

Seats would be allocated for each educational institution and May 25 is the final date for applying.

Khawar Shahzad said these courses would give employment opportunities to to students. He said the top three students in each course would also be awarded special prizes.

Dr Mumtaz Ahmed, Principal of the Government Graduate College, told Dawn all necessary arrangements, including class allocation, have been finalized.