TP Report
Islamabad, Pakistan: A thought-provoking brown bag session was recently held at the International Labour Organization (ILO) Pakistan, centered on the findings of PRIDE’s latest study on #NEET youth—those not in education, employment, or training. The discussion brought together policymakers, TVET experts, and representatives from the private and public sectors to deliberate on strategies for enhancing youth employability.
During the session, participants emphasized that the #TVET sector’s growth should not be measured by the number of new buildings or physical infrastructure. Instead, they highlighted the importance of international certifications, skill recognition, and quality training standards that align with global labor market requirements. Experts noted that equipping young people with recognized credentials significantly increases their opportunities for meaningful employment and addresses the challenges of unemployment among NEET youth.
The event underscored that strategic investment in curricula, instructor training, and certification processes can have a far greater impact on workforce readiness than traditional infrastructure expansion. It was stressed that creating pathways for globally recognized qualifications will enable Pakistani youth to compete effectively, both locally and internationally, and help bridge the skills gap in the evolving labor market.
The brown bag session concluded with calls for continued collaboration between the government, TVET institutions, and international partners to ensure that vocational education and training programs are both relevant and globally aligned, ensuring sustainable economic growth and youth empowerment.
