The Punjab government has launched an ambitious initiative to provide skill training to around 90,000 students by 2029 under the Improving Workforce Readiness in Punjab Project, aimed at creating a skilled workforce aligned with industry requirements.
The six-year project, which started in 2023 and will continue until 2029, seeks to modernize technical and vocational education by upgrading training institutions, introducing industry-focused courses, and developing skills in sectors with high employment potential.
According to project documents, the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between technical education and labor market demands through training programs developed after a comprehensive skills mapping study.
A key part of the project involves upgrading 19 technical and vocational institutes into Centers of Excellence. These include 16 institutes managed by the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) and three institutes operated by the Punjab Vocational Training Council (PVTC).
The upgraded institutes will offer specialized, market-oriented training in eight priority sectors, including automotive, information and communication technology (ICT), tourism, food processing, textile, construction, healthcare, and light engineering.
The project aims to replace traditional classroom-based teaching with competency-based training, ensuring students acquire practical skills that meet employer expectations and improve their chances of securing sustainable employment.
In addition to institutional upgrades, the initiative will modernize the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) management system and strengthen the Labor Market Information System to improve workforce planning and support data-based policymaking.
The improved information system will help government officials, training providers, and industry representatives identify current and future skill shortages, allowing institutions to regularly update their courses according to changing market needs.
Officials said the project will play an important role in addressing skill gaps in Punjab’s expanding industrial and services sectors, particularly in information technology, construction, textile, healthcare, manufacturing, and food processing.
The Punjab government expects the workforce development initiative to enhance youth employability, strengthen technical education, and contribute to the province’s long-term economic growth by preparing a skilled and future-ready workforce.
