ISLAMABAD: The greatest challenge the country is facing is the lack of technical education, said industrialist and former federal minister Abdul Razak Dawood.

“After they graduate, unskilled students could get into trouble and fall into the wrong hands if they do not get jobs which is why we have to focus on providing vocational and technical education,” Mr Dawood said when speaking at a conference on Monday titled ‘TVET Conference-Pakistan 2016’ which was hoisted by the National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC).

A large number of industrialists, heads of training institutes, diplomats and delegates from more than 15 countries were attending the conference.

Speaking at the opening session, State Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Balighur Rehman said that skill development and technical training are key factors to help a country’s economy develop.

Improving vocational training will bring economic development, peace, says former minister

“We can change our current situation and tackle our problems through skill development,” he said, adding that vocational training will also provide the younger generation with more job opportunities.

Mr Rehman said the present government was committed to equipping the country’s youth with employable skills.

NAVTTC Executive Director Zulfiqar Cheema said improving the quality of training will improve the chances of the youth of the country to be employed in international market as well.

“Skill development is the key to poverty alleviation and it is the gateway to peace and prosperity,” he added.

German Ambassador Ina Lepel said Germany will continue supporting the technical and vocational education and training reform system in Pakistan.

Toyota Company Chief Executive Officer Pervez Ghais also urged the government to focus on technical education while Islamabad Mayor Ansar Aziz said skill development can bring peace and prosperity in the region and that the country needs a demand driven and competitive TVET system.

Published in Dawn, October 4th, 2016