Punjab vocational council introduces competency-based training

LAHORE: The Punjab Vocational Training Council (PVTC) is introducing the competency-based training in all its branches across the Punjab.

The PVTC is one of the pioneers of vocational training providers, which piloted the competency-based training courses in 60 of its vocational training institutes under an ongoing pilot initiative with the assistance of the TVET Reform Support Programme, which was funded by the European Union and the governments of The Netherlands, Germany and Norway.  “The replication of the competency-based training courses to other institutes is in progress, as so far with 20 more institutes the number had already reached 50,” says Shafqat-ur-Rehman, manager projects, PVTC, while briefing a group of journalists at the Vocational Training Institute.  The introduction of competency-based training is an important element of the National Skills Strategy (NSS), which is the basis of the ongoing nationwide TVET sector reform in Pakistan.

The competency-based training programme provides the basis for the implementation of the National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF), which the government has launched in March last year at the national level.

Under this paradigm shift, the training programmes are designed and delivered by adopting a systematic approach, focusing on better employability of the trainees with a strong link to the market.  The duration of these new special training programmes ranges between six to 12 months. The competency-based training programme is also being implemented in 130 TEVT on pilot bases.

Private sector's engagement in the planning and delivery of technical education and vocational training (TVET) is a key and that is why the PVTC is introducing competency-based training courses, which links the training to the market needs, said Rehman.

Initially, the competency-based training courses are being offered in 14 trades, which include beauty therapy, hair stylist, skin care, computer operator, web designing and development, Autocad, graphic designing, e-commerce, heating and ventilation, AC, electronics technician, building electrician, solar panel installation, plumber, solar panel, water heater installation, etc. 

Rehman also said that there is a big mismatch in the skills being delivered in the vocational training centres and the ones needed in the industry and with the competency-based training approach the pass outs will be able to demonstrate the competence needed in the job market.  Industry being the beneficiary of the competency-based training programme is engaged not only in setting occupational standards, curricula, but also its input is part of the assessment of the trainees.

He expressed the hope that the competency-based training approach will be helpful in creating a paradigm shift in the way vocational training is delivered in Pakistan.

Regional Manager North Col. Zahid Zulfiqar Qureshi (Retd), DBOM President Sohail Altaf, Area Manager Tahir Akram, Maj Javed Iqbal (Retd) and VTI Rawalpindi Principal Abu Bakar were also present on the occasion.