For the first time in the country's technical education history, the Punjab Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority have launched "recognition of prior learning programme" to certify the skills of those already working in the market but without certification. The organisation has planned to bring numerous non-recognised workforces into the fold of the certified skilled workforce to explore employment opportunities in the local job market and abroad, Chairperson Irfan Qaiser Sheikh told Business Recorder.
He said, "The organisation launched the programme about five months ago under which uncertified skilled workers of different fields undergo training on day offs course and get certificate in their respective fields after practical tests."
He said up to 10,000 skilled workers would get certificates under the program by December this year.
He also said In line with a direction by Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif his organisation was working on both ends of the industry by tapping market for skills training and market for skilled labour simultaneously. "The organisation has shifted all its financial resources from brick and mortar to training the man power as per local and international markets' needs. Up to two billion rupees has been diverted from development side and allocated to train 65,000 youth in a three-and-six-month duration new demand-driven short courses and a stipend of Rs 1,000 per month to each trainee."
He went on, "We have taken a lead in transforming the organisation into a vibrant body by involving industry in planning and decision making process. By adopting public-private partnership mode for running the organisation, we have taken right and timely decision of starting 65 three-and-six month duration new short courses to train skilled manpower as required by the local and international markets.
"These demand driven short courses included handy man, UPS repair mechanic, confectionery, solar technician, house-keeping, cook, mobile repair, bakery and sweets, call centre, injection molding, machine operator, customers sales officers, customer services officers and electronically controlled engine diagnostic and tune-up and many others alike.
"Within a very short span of time of 10 months, the organisation has achieved miraculous results, which is evident from the enrolment figure that has shown 110-percent increase during the last 10 months. Focus has been shifted entirely from supply side training mode to demand driven sectors. To attract the youth, all types of fees have been waived off and Rs 1,000 per month stipend announced for the trainees taking admission in these demand driven new short courses. It has produced excellent results and brought the organisation into the radar of local and international industry.
"The enrolment ladder was stagnant at 85,900 during the past five years. It has jumped to 198,000 this year. This is not by accident or anything else but well thought and restless efforts of the new management under the chairman from within the industry and involvement of all stakeholders in turning around the organisation into a vibrant service providing body, he said. Proper consultation and professional efforts have produced the desired results and brought us on the emerging TVET scenario."
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