Punjab plans skill training for 90,000 students

The six-year initiative, which began in 2023, is designed to strengthen technical education and create more Punjab employment opportunities by preparing students with skills that match the needs of modern industries.

Officials said the Improving Workforce Readiness in Punjab Project will bridge the gap between technical education and the labour market.

The programme has been developed after a detailed skills mapping study to ensure training reflects the demands of employers.

As part of the initiative, 19 technical and vocational institutes will be upgraded into Centers of Excellence.

These include 16 institutes managed by the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) and three operated by the Punjab Vocational Training Council (PVTC).

The upgraded institutes will offer Punjab skill training in eight priority sectors, including automotive, information and communication technology, tourism, food processing, textile, construction, healthcare and light engineering.

Officials said the 90,000 students skill training programme will focus on practical and competency-based learning instead of traditional classroom teaching.

The aim is to help graduates develop job-ready skills that improve their chances of employment.

The Improving Workforce Readiness in Punjab Project will also modernize the Technical and Vocational Education and Training management system while strengthening the Labour Market Information System to improve workforce planning and policy decisions.

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Authorities believe the improved information system will help identify future skills shortages and allow institutes to update their courses according to changing industry requirements. They say this will create better Punjab employment opportunities for young people entering the workforce.

Punjab’s expanding industrial and services sectors continue to require trained workers, especially in IT, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, food processing and textiles.

Officials believe Punjab skill training will help meet this growing demand while improving the quality of technical education.

The government expects the 90,000 students skill training initiative to produce a skilled workforce capable of supporting economic growth and increasing productivity.

Officials also believe the programme will generate more Punjab employment opportunities by connecting education with industry needs.