THE 2023 census reveals critical issues for Pakistan’s youth, with approximately 25 million children not enrolled in school and a population growth rate that is alarming. With 80% of the population under-40, this demographic could be a significant asset for national development if properly harnessed. However, over 60% of job seekers lack the necessary skills for the services and manufacturing sectors, which impedes modernization and deters investment.
Pakistan’s working-age population of 159.83 million includes 26 million unemployed men and 62 million unemployed women. The country’s position as 125th out of 130 countries in terms of skilled labor starkly contrasts with neighboring South Asian countries. This situation is compounded by a preference among many youth for university degrees rather than technical training, despite a severe shortage of technical institutions—approximately 3,500, which train only 500,000 individuals annually.
To tackle these issues, it is essential to expand the capacity of technical education institutions and improve the quality of their training. Punjab’s initiative to enhance TEVTA projects through public-private partnerships, offering modern courses and foreign language training, represents a positive development. However, other provinces, particularly underdeveloped ones like Balochistan, need to follow suit.
A comprehensive approach is required to modernize and promote technical training. Governments should consider integrating technical courses with formal education to create a more versatile workforce. Additionally, trade officers could help tailor technical programs to meet international standards and demands.
The private sector also plays a crucial role in this transformation. Collaboration between businesses and educational institutions can lead to the development of curricula that align with market needs. Offering apprenticeships, internships, and on-the-job training can provide practical experience and ensure a steady supply of skilled workers.
Furthermore, changing cultural attitudes towards technical education is vital. By highlighting the success stories of skilled professionals and demonstrating the vast opportunities in technical fields, the government and private sector can encourage more youth to pursue vocational training.
Investing in a skilled workforce is a strategic move towards sustainable economic growth. Skilled workers contribute to higher productivity, innovation, and competitiveness in the global market. They also enjoy better employment prospects and higher wages, improving their standard of living and benefiting the nation’s overall economic prosperity.
For Pakistan to achieve its development goals, it must leverage the potential of its young population through enhanced technical education and training. A coordinated effort involving the government, private sector, and educational institutions is essential to create a robust technical education system that meets modern job market demands and prepares youth for future opportunities and challenges.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Turbat, Balochistan.
