RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) and Oracle Academy signed an agreement to integrate Oracle Academy programs in 150 institutions across Punjab to train 45,000 students here on Tuesday.

Chairman TEVTA Irfan Qaiser Sheikh and Country Head Oracle Pakistan and Afghanistan Syed Azam Abidi were present on the occasion.

As per agreement over the next three years, the agreement will also facilitate the training of 150 TEVTA master trainers for this program, and provide the curriculum and required software for the offered courses under this agreement.

Speaking on the occasion, chairman TEVTA Irfan Qaiser Sheikh said that the authority is trying its best to make Technical and Vocational training more accessible for our youth throughout the province. “We hope that by integrating the world-class computer science curriculum provided by Oracle Academy into our training programs, we can boost the confidence of our students and equip them with 21st century skills which are imperative for successful careers,” he said.

The institution will get Oracle software, as well as Oracle Academy curriculum resources and faculty training for teaching Not-for-Profit Academic use only, he said, adding that TEVTA will also receive full academic curriculum in vendor neutral, foundational concepts, skills and technologies, such as Database and Java. He said that the faculty of the colleges will receive free training from Oracle Academy trainers, thus, upgrading their professional skills and knowledge as well.

Irfan further said that this program aims to cultivate students that are ready for real life scenarios with demonstrable skills and knowledge aligned with industry. The students will receive the exposure to latest innovative technology and curriculum while pursuing their education, thus preparing them for globally-recognized Oracle certification examinations in hope for better job placement.

He also said that four months training program will be free of cost which would benefit our youth as they can avail job opportunities in IT sector not only in Pakistan but in other countries as well. Oracle is world’s fifth best IT company which is renowned worldwide and if a students having Oracle and TEVTA’s certificate would apply in any country of the world he would be prefer, he added.

Country Head Oracle Azam Abidi observed that this agreement between TEVTA and the Oracle Academy will help enable hundreds of teachers and thousands of students in Punjab to learn new skills and develop core computing knowledge aligned with industry demands using current technologies. 

Abidi further said that Oracle Academy advances computer science education globally to drive knowledge, innovation, skills development, and diversity in technology fields, offering a free and complete portfolio of software, curriculum, hosted technology, faculty trainings, support, and certification resources. Supporting more than 3.5 million students annually in 120 countries, the program works with public and private partners to provide the tools educators need to engage inspire and prepare students to become innovators and leaders of the future, he said adding that through Oracle Academy, students receive hands-on experience with the latest technologies.

In his message, Damian Haas, Regional Director Oracle Academy Asia Pacific and Japan said, “Change is only permanent when it comes to information technology so teachers need to keep up to the pace and need quality professional development to help ensure exemplary teaching to prepare workforce of the future.”