Pakistan’s largest skill development fund (PSDF) is celebrating ten years as the country’s largest skill development fund. Within a decade it has funded training of more than 500,000 men and women in 250 plus trades across all 36 districts of Punjab, implementing trainings on behalf of FCDO (Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office), World Bank and the Government of Punjab.
It began operations with just four training service providers (TSPs) in 2010 to execute its trainings and since then has established a network of more than 600 TSPs. 43% of all PSDF trainees are women and collectively PSDF trainees are generating PKR 21 billion annually.
The organization catalysed engaging the industry in Pakistan’s TVET sector through cost-sharing programs to design, deliver and co-fund training programs- bridging the gap that exists between employers and workers.
PSDF funds trainings in six program areas: E-tayyar, Umeed, Haryali, Uraan, Mahir and Aghaaz. Each program area offers specialized training courses focusing on different professions and trades to nurture the skillsets of trainees so they can successfully access income-generating opportunities. In 2020, as the pandemic unfolded PSDF swiftly re-aligned its training delivery model, shifting from classroom trainings to digital trainings. It forged successful partnerships with Coursera (the world’s leading e-learning portal) and Gnowbe to offer online courses to teach learners essential skills required to become professional freelancers and start their own businesses. By collaborating with Foodpanda, Uber, Enablers, Jazz and Zong to pilot trainings and develop diverse range of skillsets that are in demand by the present job market. PSDF has dedicated teams to monitor the quality of trainings and to design programs based on evidence proven to make a positive impact on the learner’s livelihood.
