By Aziz ur Rehman
Founder & CEO – Haq Bahoo Furniture Chiniot
CEO - Ajwa Interiors
CEO - A S Exports
Executive Member – Chiniot Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Important Industry Meeting with R&D team TEVTA
Recently an important meeting was held at the Chiniot Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The meeting was arranged by the General Secretary of the chamber, Hafiz Ammar.
A research and development team from Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) visited the chamber to collect industry feedback.
The purpose of the visit was simple.
The TEVTA R&D team wanted to understand which new courses should be launched in TEVTA Chiniot and how existing programs could better serve local industries.
Since TEVTA provides skilled labor to industries across Pakistan, it is very important that its training programs match real industry needs.
Many people in Pakistan regularly visit the TEVTA web portal to explore technical courses and check TEVTA jobsopportunities. Therefore, improving training programs can directly impact employment and industry growth.
Industry Leaders Present
Several respected members of the business community attended the meeting.
The participants included:
Hafiz Ammar – General Secretary Chiniot Chamber of Commerce
Aziz ur Rehman – Founder & CEO Haq Bahoo Furniture
Malik Shahbaz – Former President Chiniot Furniture Market
Danish Fakhri – Former President Chiniot Chamber of Commerce
Other members from the furniture manufacturing industry
All members warmly welcomed the TEVTA R&D team.
The discussion focused on skills development, modern furniture production, and the future of the Chiniot furniture industry.
Chiniot Global Vision
Chiniot has been famous for hand-carved wooden furniture for many decades. Our craftsmen are known for their traditional carving skills.
However, the global market has changed.
Today the international furniture market requires:
CNC precision machines
Modern modular furniture
Fast production systems
Digital furniture design
International finishing standards
Online marketing and branding
If we do not upgrade our skills, other cities and even other countries may capture our market.
Therefore, Chiniot must move from traditional production to global competitiveness.
Industry Linked Tevta Courses / Programs and My Recommendations
During the meeting, I shared my opinion with the TEVTA R&D team.
My suggestion was clear.
We do not need random diplomas.
We need industry-linked programs that match the real needs of furniture manufacturers.
Many students who later search for TEVTA jobs or training through the TEVTA web portal should find programs that are directly connected with real employment opportunities.
Below are the most important courses I recommended.
CNC Operator Training Program
The most urgent requirement of the furniture industry is CNC machine operators.
Modern furniture manufacturing cannot compete internationally without CNC technology.
This program should include:
CNC router operation
Toolpath generation
Machine maintenance
Basic G-Code understanding
ArtCAM training
Vectric Aspire training
If TEVTA launches this course, students can learn high-demand skills and also find better TEVTA jobs or employment in furniture factories.
AutoCAD Design Training Program
Chiniot has talented carpenters.
But many craftsmen lack technical drawing skills.
This course should train students in:
AutoCAD software
Furniture drafting
Accurate measurements
Production drawings
Cutting list preparation
Client presentation layouts
These skills will help craftsmen convert ideas into professional designs.
Courses like these should also be visible on the TEVTA web portal so that young students can easily discover them.
Wood Finishing Training Program
Finishing plays a major role in furniture value.
Many international clients reject products because of poor finishing quality.
Training should include:
Spray painting techniques
PU polish
Melamine finishing
Color matching
Wood treatment
Moisture control
Chemical safety standards
High-quality finishing can increase furniture value by 30 to 40 percent.
This type of professional training will create skilled workers who can easily find employment through TEVTA jobslistings.
Modular Furniture Training Program
The future of furniture is not limited to traditional carving.
Modern furniture systems are growing very fast worldwide.
Chiniot manufacturers must also learn production of:
Kitchen cabinets
Wardrobe systems
Office modular furniture
Flat-pack furniture
Export packaging systems
If TEVTA introduces such courses, young people searching technical training through the TEVTA web portal will gain skills that match the global market.
Digital Marketing Training Program
Today the furniture market is not limited to physical showrooms.
The real market exists online.
Training programs should include:
Website development
Shopify and WooCommerce stores
SEO techniques
Social media marketing
Product photography
International client communication
Freelancing platforms
If manufacturers from Chiniot can sell directly to Dubai, the UK, or the USA, the local furniture industry will grow rapidly.
Upholstery Training Program
Today the furniture industry needs skilled upholstery workers.
Many workshops struggle to find trained craftsmen who understand modern upholstery techniques.
A professional upholstery training program should be launched by Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA).
Training programs should include:
Hand-carved sofa upholstery
Foam cutting and cushioning
Fabric stretching and stitching
Use of modern upholstery tools
Luxury sofa and bed headboard upholstery
Furniture repair and restoration
If skilled workers are trained through TEVTA, furniture centers like Chiniot can improve quality, increase production, and compete better in international markets.
Wood Technology Diploma a 3 Year Program DAE
I also proposed a long-term educational program.
TEVTA should introduce a three-year Diploma of Associate Engineer (DAE) in Wood Technology.
This program should combine all modern furniture skills.
First Year Learning
Students should learn:
Basic woodworking
Machine handling
Workshop safety
Technical drawing
AutoCAD basics
Second Year Training
Students should study:
CNC machine operation
ArtCAM and Aspire software
Wood chemistry
Polishing technology
Production management
Third Year Development
The final year should focus on industry and business skills:
Modular furniture systems
Export standards
Costing and estimation
Entrepreneurship
Digital marketing
Mandatory factory internship
The training structure should be 60 percent practical and 40 percent theoretical.
Programs like this will also create highly skilled graduates who can later apply through TEVTA jobs opportunities.
International Training Vision
Another important idea discussed during the meeting was international exposure.
TEVTA could collaborate with furniture companies in:
UAE
Saudi Arabia
Turkey
Europe
Top students could be sent abroad for 6 to 12 months apprenticeship programs.
This would allow them to learn modern technology and bring new knowledge back to Pakistan.
Skilled Labour Growth
I also explained that skilled workers earn much more than unskilled labor.
If TEVTA produces highly trained workers, they can also work internationally.
These skilled professionals will send higher foreign remittances to Pakistan.
This will benefit both the national economy and the furniture industry.
Furniture Branding Vision
Another important point I shared was branding.
Most furniture showrooms in Chiniot earn because the city itself is famous.
However, very few companies have developed their own international brands.
My vision is clear.
At least 10, 20, or even 50 furniture brands from Chiniot should become famous internationally.
But this goal cannot be achieved without skilled workers trained through institutions like TEVTA.
Positive Industry Response
After sharing these ideas, the response from industry members was very positive.
Many participants appreciated the suggestions.
The members agreed that introducing modern training programs through TEVTA can open new opportunities for young people and strengthen the Chiniot furniture industry.
Strong Future Ahead
Chiniot has a rich history of craftsmanship.
But the future belongs to industries that combine traditional skill with modern technology.
If TEVTA introduces industry-focused training programs and promotes them through the TEVTA web portal, thousands of young people can learn valuable skills and find employment through TEVTA jobs opportunities.
With the right training, innovation, and branding, Chiniot can become one of the leading furniture hubs in the world.
