National Youth Employment Plan in the works

Islamabad:The National Youth Employment Plan is nearing completion as part of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme, with goal of creating employment opportunities, equipping young people with contemporary skills, and offering career growth opportunities both locally and internationally.

Chairman of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan declared the plan as a ‘comprehensive and groundbreaking initiative’ that will support young people throughout every stage, from training to employment. He said the plan would provide a broad range of employment opportunities, both within Pakistan and abroad, allowing young Pakistanis to display their talents on a global stage. Khan said the federal government was working with various national and international partners to maximise opportunities for youth. He said that the Youth Employment Plan was an all-encompassing effort that would not only offer training aligned with modern needs but also provide top-tier job opportunities.

The National Youth Employment Plan will include vocational training, internships, business support, and job placements across multiple sectors. Also, specialised programmes in technology, digital skills, and other key areas will be introduced to ensure young people acquire the necessary modern skills, according to the chairman. He said the initiative was a crucial step in promoting economic growth and empowering Pakistan’s youth.

"The government is dedicated to helping talented young people advance and ensuring they have equal opportunities to showcase their abilities," he said.

Meanwhile, In a groundbreaking effort to cultivate a skilled and productive workforce, the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) has rolled out admissions in the Skills Development Programme. The Skills Development Programme is designed to equip young Pakistanis with in-demand skills, enhancing their employability and driving economic growth.

Its primary objective is to equip Pakistani youth with cutting-edge, in-demand skills that enhance their employability and drive economic growth. According to an official data, this ambitious initiative has partnered with 600 esteemed training providers, including renowned universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. The successful implementation of this far-reaching initiative is spearheaded by the esteemed National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), 70 new state-of-the-art labs and workshops will be established in Madrassas across the country, introducing skill development activities to a wider audience.

This initiative is part of a larger program aimed at empowering youth from less developed areas, with a target of enrolling 50,000 young individuals in skill-level programs Offering an extensive array of over 100 highly sought-after skills, this programme caters to diverse interests and industry needs including emerging technologies which will focus on artificial intelligence, mechatronics, programming, and data analytics. The programme will also cater to the creative industries, offering training in graphic designing, e-commerce, and culinary arts. Furthermore, the program will provide hands-on training in technical trades, including PLC, CNC machining, welding, electric technology, and cybersecurity.

By bridging the gap between education and industry requirements, this programme aims to create a talented pool of professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the country’s development. The PMYP’s Skills Development Programme embodies the government’s commitment to empowering Pakistan’s youth. As Pakistan continues on its path to progress, the Skills Development Programme under the PMYP is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future workforce.