The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) and Labtech International Ltd. through coordination with the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), Pakistan recently implemented the Online In-Country Program for Pakistan on the Training of Trainers on Automotive Technology Using Virtual TVET on July 17 to 20, 2023. A total of eighteen (18) TVET officials, administrators, and trainers from Pakistani TVET institutes have participated and completed the four-day training.
This program was primarily designed to provide the participants an in-depth understanding of the principles of automotive technology using a digital TVET framework which features 3D animated models. The methodologies implemented by Labtech International include interactive digital simulations using the latest gaming technology in the industry. This was done in the hopes of incorporating digital technology in the teaching delivery in TVET institutions across CPSC member countries.
Supervising the program were Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe, CPSC Director General; Dr. Steven McKee, Labtech International Ltd. President; and Dr. Khalid Mahmood, Executive Director/Director General (P&D), NAVTTC. The program was facilitated by Mr. Brad Ker, General Manager of Labtech Academy who delivered most of the lectures and oversaw the workshops. Mr. Ian Andrew, Labtech International Ltd. Consultant and TVET Specialist also served as a lecturer during the program.
The opening ceremony which was held on July 17, 2023 was attended by key officials from CPSC, Labtech International Ltd, and NAVTTC, Pakistan. During his opening remarks, Prof. Wickramasinghe stressed the importance of the work that both CPSC and Labtech have been implementing for the past year in providing online training for TVET trainers all over Asia Pacific. He also emphasized the integral role of NAVTTC in its continued support to CPSC and hoped for more collaborations in the future. Likewise, in his welcome remarks, chief guest H.E. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad Kazi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the Philippines provided insights on the significance of teaching digital technology in the current status of TVET and wished the participants good luck for the duration of the program.
Held via Zoom, the four-day program covered topics related to the introduction to automotive systems such as basic engine fundamentals, electricity, and electronics, braking systems, wheels and drive systems, and steering and suspension systems. This goes into developing the students’ knowledge and skills, leading to more advanced studies such as petrol and diesel fuel, systems, engine management, transmissions, and hybrid vehicles.
The closing ceremony was held on July 20, 2023. In attendance were key officials from CPSC and Labtech International Ltd. Some selected participants gave brief reflections and expressions of appreciation to the program organizers. Moreover, CPSC Governing-Board Engaged Faculty Consultant Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen gave the closing remarks on behalf of CPSC’s Director General. He extended the Staff College’s gratitude towards Labtech International and NAVTTC Pakistan, for their unwavering support and commitment to develop and implement programs with CPSC. Meanwhile, Ms. Syeda Amina Gilani, Director (International Cooperation), NAVTTC delivered the vote of thanks and expressed her gratitude to CPSC and Labtech International for supporting Pakistan in its goal of continuously improving its TVET system in the post-pandemic environment.
