Pakistan and China have inaugurated a Centre of Excellence for Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) technologies at the National Skills University (NSU) in Islamabad, creating a new facility for practical technical training and professional skills development. The centre has been established at the university’s Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology through collaboration between the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) Pakistan, UNI Services International Pakistan and Harbin Vocational University of Construction Technology, China. The facility, also introduced as the Kaiwu Workshop, is intended to provide students and trainees with practical exposure to HVACR systems and the technical requirements of the construction and infrastructure sectors. The inauguration ceremony was attended by representatives of the government, academia and industry, with NAVTTC Chairman Engineer Qamar-ul-Islam Raja serving as the chief guest. National Skills University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Saud Altaf and representatives of the Chinese partner institutions and companies also participated in the event, highlighting the role of international cooperation in expanding technical education opportunities in Pakistan.
The new centre will focus on practical instruction in HVACR installation, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting. These areas are relevant to the construction, commercial building, industrial and infrastructure sectors, where heating, cooling, ventilation and refrigeration systems require trained professionals for installation and ongoing operation. Through access to a dedicated training environment, students will be able to develop technical knowledge alongside practical experience with equipment and system-related procedures. The facility is also expected to support faculty development and technology exchange, allowing instructors to engage with technical expertise and training approaches shared by the Chinese academic and industry partners. In addition, the centre is expected to facilitate industry engagement and internship opportunities, creating stronger links between classroom learning and workplace requirements. By connecting technical instruction with practical applications, the initiative aims to help graduates develop skills that can be applied in professional environments and improve their readiness for employment in relevant fields.
Speaking at the inauguration, NSU Vice Chancellor Dr. Saud Altaf highlighted the importance of connecting education with industry requirements through practical learning, professional training and institutional collaboration. He noted the growing demand for qualified HVACR professionals in Pakistan and acknowledged the contributions of NAVTTC, CSCEC Pakistan, Harbin Vocational University of Construction Technology, ITMC China and UNI Services International Pakistan in establishing the centre. NAVTTC Chairman Engineer Qamar-ul-Islam Raja also emphasised the contribution of technical and vocational education to economic and industrial development. He highlighted the need to equip young people with market-relevant capabilities, particularly as infrastructure development and projects associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor create demand for trained technical personnel. Dr. Irfan Ahmad Gondal, Chairperson of NSU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, described the Kaiwu Workshop as an important addition to hands-on learning, technology transfer and international academic cooperation. A CSCEC Pakistan representative also highlighted the importance of developing a technically competent workforce capable of supporting construction and infrastructure projects.
The partnership brings together a Pakistani public-sector university, the national vocational training authority, Chinese academic expertise and industry participation. Harbin Vocational University of Construction Technology is contributing as an academic and technical partner, while CSCEC Pakistan is participating as an industry partner. ITMC Technology China and UNI Services International Pakistan have also been recognised for facilitating and coordinating the collaboration. This arrangement provides a framework through which technical education institutions and private-sector organisations can work together to introduce practical training facilities and improve the relevance of vocational programmes. For Pakistan, developing professionals in HVACR technologies is important for the operation and maintenance of modern buildings, commercial facilities and infrastructure projects, where technical systems require specialised knowledge. The centre is expected to contribute to workforce preparation by offering training, supporting internships and creating opportunities for graduates to connect with employers. Its establishment also adds to ongoing Pakistan-China cooperation in vocational education, technical knowledge exchange and human resource development, with the participating institutions seeking to prepare young professionals for employment opportunities in domestic and international markets.
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