NOCN Group and GCA partner to transform skills development in Pakistan
Posted 18 August 2025
NOCN Group is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Global Careers Alliance Ltd (GCA), a subsidiary of the UK-based Pathway Group.
This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone in NOCN’s mission to deliver future-fit skills solutions in Pakistan and beyond.
Signed on 1st August 2025, this agreement reflects NOCN Group’s deepening commitment to Pakistan’s skills development landscape. With over 5,000 learners already expected to register across sectors including construction, digital technology, care, and hospitality, the partnership is poised to make an immediate and meaningful impact.
Under this agreement, GCA will serve as NOCN Group’s exclusive representative in Pakistan. Initially focusing on the Punjab region, they will work closely with private training providers, state-funded colleges and government agencies to deliver high-quality technical and vocational education.
Together, NOCN Group and GCA are committed to equipping Pakistani nationals with the technical skills and industry-specific knowledge required for employment in the Gulf Region and across South East Asia. Central to this effort is the rollout of NOCN’s International Skills Card, a powerful tool designed to enhance global employability and workforce mobility.
Working in the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, GCA will coordinate all activities and explore business opportunities, as well as identifying and engaging with approved testing centres for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning job market.
The International Skills Card, a cornerstone of this partnership, offers unique benefits by recording qualifications and short courses on a secure, photo ID-style card linked to an encrypted learner database. This innovative tool enables quick and reliable identification and verification of learners and workers, enhancing their employability and mobility across sectors and borders.
Building on this innovation, we recognize that vocational skills are essential for sustainable development and economic growth. In today’s hyperconnected world, skills function as a global currency—highly transferable across industries, technologies, and geographies. To prepare young Pakistanis for this dynamic landscape, we must harness technology and invest in skill development to create opportunities.
Our future-fit skills solutions, aligned with labour market demands, empower employers to build a resilient, adaptable workforce. By bridging the gap between education and employment, we aim to support Pakistan’s evolving workforce needs with confidence.
Graham Hasting-Evans, Chief Executive at NOCN Group, said:
"This partnership with GCA marks a bold step forward in our mission to empower Pakistan’s workforce. By combining global expertise providing skills solutions in 30 countries with local insight and networks, we are unlocking new opportunities for learners, educators, and employers -starting in Punjab but with ambitions to reach far beyond. More than that, this collaboration is a commitment to empowering communities across Pakistan. We are creating pathways to employment that uplift individuals, strengthen families, and drive regional development."
Safaraz Ali, CEO and Founder of the Pathway Group, also shared his thoughts on this partnership:
“We are incredibly proud and excited to deepen our partnership with NOCN - a relationship spanning over a decade, marked by shared goals, mutual respect, and impactful results. This milestone represents an evolution of our journey together, moving beyond traditional collaboration to establish Global Careers Alliance as the official in-country partner agent for NOCN in Pakistan. Together, we're committed to delivering future-fit skills, opening doors to meaningful careers, and making a real difference in the lives of Pakistani talent on the global stage.”