Pakistan, Finland launch 1.5 mln Euro vocational talent boost program for youth

Pakistan and Finland have joined forces to launch a vocational training program aimed at boosting the skills of young Pakistanis. The initiative, funded by a 1.5 million euro grant, will focus on developing expertise in highdemand sectors such as hospitality, construction, and healthcare. The program, spearheaded by Finland’s Turku Vocational Institute and Pakistan’s National University of Science and Technology (NUTECH), was approved by the European Union under the framework of the Pakistan-finland Cooperation. It leverages the platform of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to facilitate collaboration. This project has a two-fold benefit. It will not only equip Pakistani youth with industry-relevant skills that meet EU standards, but also create a pipeline for potential employment opportunities in Finland. The first batch of graduates was expected to travel to Finland by October 2025 to explore job prospects. “The Talent Boost program is a key component of SIFC’S multifaceted strategy for driving economic growth in Pakistan,” said a spokesperson for the council. “By equipping our youth with valuable skills and facilitating international employment opportunities, we aim to increase their earning potential and contribution to the national economy through remittances.