UK-Based City & Guilds Education Board Receives. Pakistan’s education landscape is set to experience a significant shift as the UK-based City & Guilds education board has received official approval to operate in the country. The authorization was granted by the Federal Ministry of Education, following endorsement from the Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC). This move marks a key step toward introducing globally recognized academic and vocational qualifications in Pakistan, enhancing opportunities for students seeking international certifications.
Approval and Launch of GEMS Pathway
Following the IBCC authorization, City & Guilds has officially launched the GEMS Pathway program in Pakistan. This initiative is designed to provide students with certifications equivalent to the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC). In addition to general academic credentials, the program will offer vocational and skills-based qualifications, catering to students interested in practical, industry-oriented education.
GEMS Pathway aims to bridge the gap between traditional academic pathways and vocational skill development, ensuring learners in Pakistan receive internationally recognized certifications that can be leveraged for higher education or employment opportunities worldwide.
Global Skills Summit: Formal Introduction in Karachi
The launch of the GEMS Pathway program was officially unveiled at the Global Skills Summit titled “Shaping Future Pakistan”, held in Karachi. The event was attended by key figures in Pakistan’s education and vocational sectors, including:
- Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Education
- Ghulmina Bilal, Chairperson of NAVTTC (National Vocational & Technical Training Commission)
- Ghulam Ali Mollah, Executive Director of IBCC
During the summit, Wajiha Qamar highlighted City & Guilds’ reputation as a well-established international education body. She welcomed its entry into Pakistan, emphasizing the positive impact it would have on both academic and vocational training sectors.
IBCC Executive Director Ghulam Ali Mollah reaffirmed that City & Guilds is now fully authorized to operate in Pakistan under IBCC regulations, providing students and institutions with a clear framework for adopting its curriculum and qualifications.
Academic and Vocational Offerings
City & Guilds will offer a wide range of educational qualifications, combining both academic and vocational learning. Key offerings include:
- Skill Certificates equivalent to Intermediate (HSSC) and A-Level qualifications
- Vocational certifications in areas such as technical trades, hospitality, IT, and other skills-based fields
- Programs aligned with international standards, ensuring global recognition
The board already operates extensively in Pakistan’s vocational sector. With this new approval, City & Guilds aims to expand its influence into general academic education, enabling students to access international curricula without leaving the country.
Advantages of City & Guilds Entry
The inclusion of City & Guilds in Pakistan’s education sector brings several benefits:
- International Recognition: Students will earn certifications recognized globally, facilitating opportunities for higher education abroad.
- Skill-Based Education: By combining academic and vocational pathways, learners can gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
- Bridging Educational Gaps: City & Guilds’ structured curriculum supports students who want alternatives to traditional SSC/HSSC paths.
- Enhanced Employability: Vocational certifications improve job readiness, equipping students with marketable skills relevant to local and international industries.
- Flexible Learning Options: Programs allow students to tailor their learning according to career interests, combining academic courses with specialized skill training.
GEMS Pathway: A Step Towards Future-Ready Education
The GEMS Pathway initiative represents a forward-looking approach to education in Pakistan. By offering both academic equivalency and vocational certifications, the program ensures students are not only prepared for examinations but also for practical career challenges.
This dual-focused model supports:
- Higher Education Aspirations: Students can pursue advanced studies globally with internationally recognized qualifications.
- Workforce Readiness: Vocational training aligns with industry standards, enabling immediate employment opportunities.
- Skill Development: Programs target emerging fields in technology, business, and service sectors, meeting Pakistan’s growing need for skilled professionals.
The integration of City & Guilds’ global standards with Pakistan’s educational framework sets a precedent for other international education boards considering entry into the country.
Statements from Key Officials
During the Global Skills Summit, Wajiha Qamar praised City & Guilds’ commitment to high-quality education and its contribution to Pakistan’s growing education ecosystem. She noted that the program aligns with national priorities to enhance vocational and academic learning opportunities across the country.
Ghulmina Bilal, Chairperson of NAVTTC, emphasized the role of skill-based learning in driving economic growth and employment, highlighting City & Guilds’ track record in vocational training.
Ghulam Ali Mollah, Executive Director of IBCC, confirmed that City & Guilds meets all regulatory requirements to operate in Pakistan, ensuring its certifications are recognized officially under the IBCC framework.
Future Prospects for Students and Institutions
With City & Guilds entering the academic space in Pakistan, students now have access to a diverse range of educational pathways. Institutions adopting the GEMS Pathway program can:
- Offer international standard curricula alongside local boards
- Facilitate global student mobility
- Provide skill certifications enhancing employability and career readiness
The move is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s education ecosystem, fostering innovation, vocational excellence, and global competitiveness among students.
Conclusion
The approval of City & Guilds to operate in Pakistan marks a significant milestone for the country’s education sector. By combining internationally recognized academic and vocational qualifications, the initiative empowers students with both knowledge and practical skills. The GEMS Pathway will enhance learning, employability, and global opportunities for Pakistan’s youth.
