ISLAMABAD, Mar 04 (ABC): The Ministry of Industries and Production on Tuesday proposed establishing a simulation-based training institute for construction machinery under the Technology Upgradation and Skill Development Company (TUSDEC) to address skill shortages in the construction sector.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the proposed Skill Development Institute for Construction Machinery (SDICM) aims to strengthen the construction industry, particularly in the operation and maintenance of heavy construction machinery.
The institute is designed to support economic growth by improving construction quality and developing exportable human resources. As a result, it is expected to contribute to higher foreign remittances and stronger technical capacity in the sector.
According to the documents, the total estimated cost of the project stands at Rs1,000 million, while Rs300 million has been proposed for allocation in 2026-27. At present, the initiative is at the PC-I stage.
The institute will provide Heavy Earth Moving Equipment (HEME) simulators to train human resources using modern technology. These simulators will include tower crane, crane, excavator, bulldozer, dump truck, road roller and grader simulators.
In addition, the institute will offer training in heavy vehicle operation, heavy vehicle repair and maintenance, as well as surveying and monitoring techniques. Through these programmes, trainees will gain practical skills in a controlled and safe learning environment.
Officials believe that the availability of trained and exportable human resources will enhance foreign exchange earnings. At the same time, it will improve the overall efficiency and productivity of Pakistan’s construction sector.
The proposed institute is also being viewed as an important step toward modernising the country’s construction workforce. As urbanisation continues and infrastructure investment increases, the demand for skilled operators of heavy construction machinery has risen significantly.
However, the shortage of certified and technically trained operators often causes project delays, cost overruns and safety concerns. Therefore, the new institute is expected to help address these challenges.
Through simulator-based training programmes, the institute will replicate real-world working conditions without the safety risks and high operational costs associated with on-site training. Consequently, trainees will be able to learn advanced equipment handling in a controlled environment.
Moreover, the initiative is expected to create employment opportunities for young people and improve the export potential of skilled workers. Demand for certified heavy equipment operators remains strong in international markets, particularly in the Middle East and other regions.