Islamabad:The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) has officially commenced nationwide training classes for the third batch of the Prime Minister’s Youth Skills Development Program, marking a significant milestone in the national effort to equip the workforce with industry-standard expertise.
The rollout follows a rigorous and transparent merit-based evaluation process through which 866 public and private training institutes were selected to lead the instruction. In an effort to ensure the curriculum translates directly into sustainable employment, NAVTTC has identified 103 demand-driven trades that align with current industry requirements and national economic priorities.
The current phase of the program has seen the enrollment of 36,326 trainees, showcasing a nearly equal gender distribution and a profound commitment to social equity. The cohort includes 18,412 males, 17,905 females, and nine transgender individuals.
Beyond gender balance, the initiative features a robust social inclusion component, providing specialised opportunities for marginalised segments of society. This is reflected in the enrollment of 1,245 orphans, 993 Huffaz, 96 persons with disabilities, and 27 widows, all of whom are being integrated into the national economic fabric through vocational training.
During the launch ceremony, NAVTTC Chairperson Gulmina Bilal Ahmad commended the diverse participation, particularly highlighting the representation of women and transgender individuals.
She emphasized that technical and vocational education has evolved into an effective primary pathway for economic mobility and dignified employment for all segments of society. Ahmad added that the commission remains dedicated to maintaining high standards of quality, transparency, and strong industrial linkages.
This strategy is designed to ensure that every trained youth can secure either direct employment or entrepreneurial opportunities, ultimately contributing to a more robust and globally competitive Pakistani economy.