Peshawar (Khyber Mail): In a landmark move aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry, Isotherm Inc., a Texas-based manufacturer of specialized heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and packaged systems, has partnered with the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Peshawar to establish a state-of-the-art Pressure Equipment Training Center.
The center, to be housed in the Mechanical Engineering Department of UET Peshawar, will offer hands-on training to students in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) with applications in critical industries such as oil and gas, industrial refrigeration, and energy. The collaboration was formalized through a letter of agreement between the two institutions.
This initiative is the brainchild of Dr. Zahid Ayub, CEO of Isotherm Inc. and a distinguished alumnus of UET Peshawar’s Mechanical Engineering Department (class of 1971). His vision is to empower youth in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the technical skills required to excel in specialized industrial sectors. Dr. Ayub has set an example for other UET alumni working in prominent global companies, encouraging them to reconnect with their alma mater and contribute to its growth.
The foundation for this initiative was laid by Prof. Dr. Abdul Shakoor, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Rizwan Gul, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical, Chemical, and Industrial Engineering, and Prof. Dr. Hamid Ullah, Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department. Their efforts have been pivotal in formalizing the framework for the establishment of the training center.
The Pressure Equipment Training Center will play a vital role in equipping students with technical proficiency in CAD and other industry-driven skills. Students will benefit from learning under the guidance of international experts from Isotherm Inc., ensuring a blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world experience.
This collaboration serves as an ideal model of academia-industry linkage, offering students a chance to enhance their employability and meet the demands of a rapidly changing global workforce. The first batch of students is expected to begin training in April 2024, and applications for enrollment are now open on the official website: https://petc.pk/.
In recognition of his visionary leadership and significant contributions to UET Peshawar, the university will place Dr. Zahid Ayub’s name on its prestigious Wall of Fame. This gesture serves as a mark of appreciation for alumni and individuals who have made exemplary contributions to UET and society at large.
The establishment of the Pressure Equipment Training Center is seen as a major step forward in modernizing UET Peshawar’s academic and training capabilities. It represents a forward-looking approach to education, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet the technological demands of the industry.