Islamabad :— British Council, in partnership with People 1st International UK and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company (KPEZDMC), has successfully implemented an International Skills Partnership to advance workforce development in Pakistan’s food and beverage sector.
The initiative, part of the Going Global Partnerships programme, focuses on closing skills gaps in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zone (KPEZ). Following extensive research into employment trends and industry needs, food safety and manufacturing were identified as priority areas for intervention.
To address these, the partnership established the Industry Advisory Taskforce Group (IATG) — bringing together representatives from industry, academia, and training authorities to ensure training aligns with real-world labour market requirements. Based on the findings, the Highfield Level 3 International Award in Food Safety for Manufacturing was introduced, representing a major step in aligning Pakistan’s training frameworks with international standards.
For the first time, Highfield International trainers travelled to Pakistan to deliver face-to-face Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions for a cohort of 24 master trainers, 12 of whom achieved distinction. These certified trainers will now cascade their learning nationwide, ensuring sustainability and broad impact.
Two universities — the University of Haripur (KP) and NUTECH (Islamabad) — are now recognised as registered Highfield centres for the delivery of this qualification. The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) is currently reviewing the qualification for national validation and exploring its inclusion within the DAE in Food Processing and Technology.
A proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Haripur and North West Regional College (UK) is also under development, paving the way for the creation of a Foodovation-inspired centre in Pakistan to further strengthen innovation and capacity in the sector.
James Hampson, Country Director, British Council Pakistan, said:
“This partnership is a great example of UK and Pakistan collaboration driving change. This work will help young people gain the skills employers need and grow their businesses to international standards. It’s good for individuals, for industry and for the economy.”
Through the Going Global Partnerships programme, the British Council continues to strengthen education systems by fostering collaboration between higher education, technical and vocational institutions, and industry. The success of this project in Pakistan highlights how a sectoral approach can enhance employability, align training with international quality standards, and drive sustainable economic growth.
With the achievement of the Highfield qualification and the formation of strong institutional partnerships, this model is now being considered for replication across other sectors, expanding its impact and supporting Pakistan’s broader vision for skills development and global competitiveness.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
