Dr. Muhammad Shahzad Ashfaq
Post-Doctorate (Peace Education)
International Islamic University
Islamabad
Pakistan is a country with a growing population and a significant portion of its workforce employed in various sectors. In recent years, there has been a recognition of the importance of skill development in driving economic growth. Developing a skilled workforce is vital for Pakistan to compete in the global economy, attract investments, and create opportunities for its citizens. The relationship between Pakistan’s workforce, skill development, and economic growth, highlighting the importance of investing in education and training to boost the country’s economic potential.
Investing in skill development in Pakistan’s workforce is crucial for driving economic growth. A skilled workforce can drive innovation, enhance productivity, and improve competitiveness in the global market. A report by the World Bank, investing in human capital, including education and skill development, can lead to significant economic returns for a country (World Bank, 2019). In Pakistan, there is a need to focus on enhancing the quality of education and training programs to equip individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market.
Pakistan faces the challenge of providing skill development initiatives that cater to the varying needs of its workforce. To address this issue, the country has implemented various programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills of its workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly changing labour market. The skill development initiatives in Pakistan that seek to address the diverse needs of its workforce, discussing the impact of these programs on employment, economic growth, and social development.
Skill development plays a key role in addressing unemployment and underemployment in Pakistan. Providing individuals with the necessary skills and training, the country can bridge the gap between the demand for skilled labour and the available supply. The Pakistan Economic Survey 2020-21, the country’s labour-force participation rate is around 53%, with a significant portion of the workforce engaged in low-skilled or informal jobs (Government of Pakistan, 2021). Investing in skill development programs, Pakistan can improve the employ-ability of its workforce and create opportunities for economic growth.
One of the key skill development initiatives in Pakistan is the National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), established to provide vocational training programs to equip individuals with technical skills suitable for various industries. The NAVTTC collaborates with public and private sector entities to offer training in a wide range of fields such as agriculture, information technology, construction, and hospitality. Tailoring their programs to the needs of specific industries, the NAVTTC ensures that individuals receive training that is relevant and in demand in the job market.
Important initiative is the Prime Minister’s Hunarmand Pakistan Program, which aims to train youth in high-demand sectors such as artificial intelligence, block chain technology, and e-commerce. Focusing on emerging technologies, this program helps individuals acquire skills that are essential for the digital economy, thereby increasing their employ-ability and earning potential. Recognizing the importance of digital skills in the modern workforce, the Hunarmand Pakistan Program equips participants with the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in a technology-driven world.
Several non-profit organizations and private sector entities in Pakistan that offer skill development programs. For example, the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) partners with industry leaders to provide training in specialized areas such as healthcare, textiles, and automotive engineering. By working close with employer, the PSDF ensures that its training programs align with industry more attractive to the employers.
Furthermore, skill development can also lead to poverty reduction and social inclusion in Pakistan. Equipping individuals with marketable skills, they are better able to secure stable employment and improve their strong role on economic environment as the Asian Development Bank, investing in skills development can increase the potential of workers it create equality by increasing job opportunities and promoting social mobility (Asian Development Bank, 2018). In a country like Pakistan, where a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, skill development programs can play a crucial role in improving livelihoods and reducing income disparities.
Skill development is essential for driving economic growth in Pakistan. Investing in education and training programs, the country can build a skilled workforce that is competitive in the global market, reduce unemployment, alleviate poverty, and promote social inclusion. It is imperative for the government, private sector, and other stakeholders to collaborate in developing comprehensive skill development initiatives that cater to the diverse needs of Pakistan’s workforce. Through strategic investments in human capital, Pakistan can unlock its economic potential and pave the way for sustainable growth and development.
These skill development initiatives in Pakistan have had a significant impact on the workforce, leading to higher employment rates, increased productivity, and better job opportunities for individuals. Equipping people with relevant skills, these programs not only enhance their employ-ability but also contribute to economic growth by filling skills gaps in key industries. Investing in skill development promotes social inclusion and reduces poverty by empowering individuals to secure stable and well-paying jobs.
Pakistan play a crucial role in addressing the diverse needs of the workforce, preparing individuals for the challenges of a competitive labor market. By offering training in high-demand sectors, collaborating with industry partners and focusing on emerging technologies, these programs help bridge the skills gap will enhance employ-ability. Going forward continued investment in skill development is essential to ensure that Pakistan’s workforce remains competitive, adaptable, and well equipped for the jobs of the future.
