M.Zahid Raffat<\/p>\n
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is often described as the backbone of socio-economic progress, and for good reason. It equips the youth\u2014who form the lion\u2019s share of Pakistan\u2019s population\u2014with the technical and vocational skills needed to boost productivity and fuel economic growth. A solid TVET system not only closes the skills gap but also ensures that training is tailored to the demands of local and international markets. This means young graduates can hit the ground running, contributing to industries that can hold their own at home and on the world stage.
\nPerhaps the most exciting part is how TVET connects the dots between education and industry. By keeping its curriculum aligned with what industries actually need, it churns out job-ready graduates, saving companies the hassle and expense of extensive on-the-job training.
\nAt the helm of these efforts is the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), which acts as the sector\u2019s regulatory torchbearer. NAVTTC sets the stage by crafting policies, standardising education to global benchmarks, developing curricula, and building a labour market database. Meanwhile, provincial TEVTAs roll up their sleeves to deliver hands-on training, ensuring that young people walk away with skills that open doors in both local and global job markets.
\nThis forward-thinking approach dovetails neatly with Pakistan\u2019s 13th Five-Year Plan, tackling skill shortages and introducing cutting-edge tech training. To chip away at the trade deficit, these programmes prioritise export-oriented skills. But it doesn\u2019t stop there. A thriving skilled workforce isn\u2019t just about selling more abroad; it\u2019s about cutting imports, attracting foreign investment, and creating an economy that stands tall. Imagine a workforce skilled in everything from construction and hospitality to IT and blockchain. That\u2019s the vision. Add to this the government\u2019s donor-funded initiatives, like the Prime Minister\u2019s Hunarmand Pakistan \u2013 Skills for All Programme and the Ba-Ikhtiyar Naujawan Internship, and it\u2019s clear that there\u2019s a serious effort to modernise the TVET sector. These programmes aren\u2019t just ticking boxes; they\u2019re building a foundation for future-ready skills, underpinned by quality assurance and partnerships with the private sector.
\nThe current government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has shown a refreshing focus on youth empowerment. Take the Prime Minister\u2019s Youth Programme, led by the quietly effective Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan. This initiative aims to create real opportunities for young people to develop their skills and build brighter futures\u2014for themselves, their communities, and the country.
\nOne standout project is the Prime Minister\u2019s Green Youth Movement, which rallies university students across 137 campuses to champion environmental conservation. From water conservation to renewable energy, young people are rolling up their sleeves and tackling pressing issues with energy and innovation. Then there\u2019s the Prime Minister\u2019s Talent Hunt Youth Sports League, a grassroots effort to unearth raw talent in 12 different sports. Whether it\u2019s wrestling, hockey, or volleyball, this initiative is giving 15-to-25-year-olds a chance to shine. Sports also take centre stage with the Establishment of Sports Academies and High-Performance Centres. Of the 13 planned academies, 10 are already up and running, and the rest are in the pipeline. It\u2019s clear that the government isn\u2019t just talking about youth development; it\u2019s building the infrastructure to back it up.
\nThe recent Prime Minister\u2019s University Sports Olympiad was a testament to this commitment. More than 3,000 students flocked to Islamabad to compete in everything from badminton to swimming, showcasing the grit and determination of Pakistan\u2019s youth. Events like these don\u2019t just highlight talent\u2014they inspire a nation.
\nIn the end, these initiatives are more than just programmes on paper. They\u2019re about creating a Pakistan where the youth have the tools, confidence, and opportunities to dream big and deliver even bigger. And in a world that isn\u2019t slowing down, this might just be the leap we need.<\/p>\n
The writer is Lahore-based Freelance Journalist, Columnist and retired Deputy Controller (News), Radio Pakistan, Islamabad and can be reached at zahidriffat@gmail.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
M.Zahid Raffat Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is often described as the backbone of socio-economic progress, and for good reason. It equips the youth\u2014who form the lion\u2019s share of Pakistan\u2019s population\u2014with the technical and vocational skills needed to boost productivity and fuel economic growth. A solid TVET system not only closes the skills […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[13433],"class_list":{"0":"post-445378","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-article","7":"tag-m-zahid-raffat"},"yoast_head":"\n