Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed that all vocational and technical training programs across Pakistan be aligned with international standards to enhance global employability for the country’s youth and increase foreign remittances.
Presiding over a meeting on the performance of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of globally accredited training to strengthen Pakistan’s skilled workforce and expand its reach in international labor markets, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
“By ensuring international quality in our training institutions, we can create more opportunities for our youth abroad and contribute significantly to the national economy through increased remittances,” he stated.
The Prime Minister instructed all federal and provincial training institutions to obtain international accreditation. He commended NAVTTC’s progress and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to youth empowerment through skill development tailored to global employment demands.
NAVTTC officials briefed the Prime Minister on key developments, including the nationwide mapping of vocational institutions and the activation of the National Technical and Vocational Training Data Management System. It was also shared that all public sector training programs are being consolidated under a unified regulatory framework managed by NAVTTC, with standardized curricula already in development.
According to data presented, 53% of trainees from the 2023–24 training cycle found employment within six months of completion. Furthermore, over 25,000 individuals trained by NAVTTC between 2020 and 2024 have secured jobs overseas. In 2024 alone, 146,000 individuals were trained in fields such as services, tourism, IT, banking, textiles, and construction. The target for the upcoming year is to train 350,000 individuals.
