MULTAN, Feb 09 (APP): Punjab is rapidly strengthening its technical and vocational education system to meet rising international, national and local demand for skilled workers, particularly in markets such as Gulf countries, Japan, and some others.
According to Regional Manager Punjab Vocational Training Council (PVTC) Asif Ali, 15,000 students are currently acquiring technical education in the Multan, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan divisions alone, while the overall number of trainees across Punjab is being increased to one lakh during the current year.
Talking to APP Multan, he said that at present 190 technical institutes are operating in Punjab, offering training in 60 different trades. These institutes not only provide theoretical knowledge but also ensure practical, industry-based training to equip students with market-relevant skills.
He added the syllabus is being upgraded every year in line with changing technological and market requirements, while new trades are being introduced to enhance employability and open pathways to jobs at the international, national and local levels.
Asif Ali further said the Punjab government is establishing three Centres of Excellence to deliver advanced, future-oriented education. These include a Mechanical Hub in Multan, a Hospitality Hub in Rawalpindi, and an IT Hub in Lahore. The centres will have the capacity to train more than 1,000 students at a time in modern professional skills.
He maintained that the upgradation of 375 laboratories across the province is another significant initiative aimed at improving training standards and ensuring that Punjab’s skilled workforce remains competitive in both domestic and global job markets.