Islamabad: The Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) and the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant milestone in skills development across Pakistan. Under the MOU, PSDF will extend its training initiatives, previously limited to Punjab, to the entire country.
One of the key objectives of this collaboration is to enhance digital training and certifications for locally trained youth, facilitating their entry into the international job market. By focusing on sector studies, training need analysis, and impact evaluations, both organizations aim to align skills training programs with local and international demands.
The collaborative effort will prioritize skills training in the Construction, Hospitality, and IT sectors across 16 districts nationwide, including major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. The goal is to ensure that at least 30 percent of graduates from these programs secure employment opportunities.
PSDF and NAVTTC will work together on curriculum development and upgradation in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. Ali Akbar Bosan, COO of PSDF, emphasized the importance of aligning local TVET curriculum with global standards to enhance the employability of Pakistani workforce internationally.
Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, Chairperson of NAVTTC, stressed the urgency of addressing youth unemployment and advocated for targeted interventions to harness the potential of Pakistan’s youth. She highlighted the need for increased training initiatives in Balochistan to empower youth in the region.
Dr. Ijaz Nabi, a board member of PSDF, underscored the significance of the MOU in advancing PSDF’s mission of creating a robust skill development ecosystem. He called for further expansion of PSDF’s reach across Pakistan and emphasized the importance of diversifying funding sources beyond government support.
The collaboration between PSDF and NAVTTC represents a concerted effort to bridge the skills gap, empower youth, and enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global job market. Through strategic partnerships and innovative approaches, both organizations are poised to drive meaningful change in skills development nationwide.
