Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is a vital branch of learning that has the potential to equip large numbers of young people with the skills they need to be successful in the labor market. 

As per the data provided by UNICEF, the current enrollment of students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Pakistan is 433,000. There is a population of 18 million young individuals who currently need to be more engaged in education, employment, or training. The government’s attention towards re-skilling or lifelong learning in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is lacking.

The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) was established in 2005 to regulate and manage Pakistan’s TVET sector. NAVTTC is tasked with promoting, facilitating, regulating, strategizing, revamping, approving curricula and training, and providing policy direction for the nation’s entire Technical & Vocational Education and Training and Development system.

The Kamyaab Jawan Youth Development Program was initiated by the government of Pakistan in 2019 as a skill development initiative. This program has provided numerous benefits to many young individuals in Pakistan employed in the informal economy.

The Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Program (PMYSDP) was established to enhance technical and vocational education and training (TVET) caliber. The program aims to provide young individuals with both traditional and advanced skills that are in demand in the job market, to enhance their career prospects and bring their capabilities in line with global standards.

The 2012 Punjab Youth Policy promoted youth economic development via vocational training and financial incentives. The “Sindh Youth Policy 2018” sought to provide young people with an equitable learning opportunity. The strategy included a Youth Venture Capital Fund, yearly youth innovation competition, university incubation centers, entrepreneur training, and Sindh Small Industries Cooperation programs. The “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Youth Policy 2016” encouraged young people to get technical skills. It was decided to revise the vocational institution curriculum to meet current needs. The “Balochistan Youth Policy 2015” sought to enhance skills via technical and vocational education.

CREDP believes there is an evident need to expand TVET in Pakistan, which needs to be improved by its modest scope. Enhance the quality of TVET to resolve the poor quality of training content and methods. In addition to focusing on lifelong learning, retraining, and digital skills, TVET must prioritize 21st-century skills. Currently, a lack of emphasis on developing soft skills and life skills in TVET leaves the majority of young graduates without the necessary work-related skills.