Addressing the vocational skill gap within Pakistan: How is DTI (Descon Technical Institute) contributing to the skills for livelihood?

Technical and vocational skill trainings are essential globally and nationally, because they equip individuals with the specialized knowledge and abilities needed to thrive in the advancing world. As industries across the globe adopt advanced skills, a workforce proficient in technical and vocational skills becomes crucial for driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and maintaining competitiveness. These trainings not only open up diverse employment opportunities, but also help bridge the skills gap, reducing unemployment and underemployment. Additionally, by fostering a skilled workforce, nations can accelerate economic growth, attract foreign investments, and ensure sustainable development, making technical skills training a key component of global progress.

Such skills trainings are also vital for Pakistan as they directly impact the country’s economic development, employment opportunities, and social progress. By equipping the workforce with the necessary technical skills, Pakistan can enhance its industrial productivity and competitiveness in the global market, driving economic growth. Additionally, these trainings help bridge the gap between education and employment, enabling individuals, especially the youth, to secure well-paying jobs in emerging and established industries, thus reducing unemployment and underemployment.

On a broader scale, these programs contribute to social progress by empowering marginalized groups, such as women and rural communities, to participate in the economy, fostering social mobility, and reducing poverty. Through a skilled workforce, Pakistan can not only meet the demands of its evolving economy but also ensure sustainable and inclusive growth for all its citizens.

How extensive is the technical and vocational skill gap in Pakistan?

A report by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) notes that currently only 2.5 percent of workers have received any type of on-the-job training, while over 60 percent of the country’s labor force has primary level education or less (Shah and Khan, 2017). This means that young people aspiring to enter the labor market begin with a double handicap of low educational attainment and limited skill sets.

Given the statistics, one might wonder why there is such a significant skill gap within Pakistan. The reasons for this gap include: Limited Access to Technical Education, Underdeveloped Training Infrastructure, Rapid Technological Advancements, Emerging Industries, Limited Participation of Women, Cultural and Social Constraints, Need for Continuous Skill Development etc.

What is the impact of the Technical and Vocational Skill Gap on Pakistan?

The technical and vocational skill gap in Pakistan is a complex issue that requires coordinated efforts from the government, educational institutions, industries, and civil society to address. Pakistan faces a critical challenge in building a skilled workforce, as a significant portion of its youth lacks access to essential resources, including adequate funding, mainstream education, and vocational training. This shortage hinders the development of technical and vocational skills, which are crucial for the country’s economic growth and competitiveness and ultimately creates a bigger need for such trainings.

The absence of these training programs not only limits the employability of the younger generation but also stifles the nation’s ability to meet the increasing demand for skilled workers in various industries. Addressing these gaps is essential for fostering a sustainable economic future for Pakistan. Educational institutions and training centers often face shortages of essential tools, equipment, and modern technology necessary for effective technical trainings. This scarcity prevents students and trainees from gaining hands-on experience with the latest technologies, leaving them underprepared for the demands of the job market. Without the necessary resources, technical skill training programs in Pakistan struggle to meet the standards required to produce a competitive and capable workforce, ultimately hindering the country’s economic growth and development.

What is DTI?

Considering the necessity of technical and vocational skills development in Pakistan, DTI, a project by Bilquis Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation, made its core ambition to provide high quality skill trainings in Pakistan for organizations and individuals. The institute’s mission to help underprivileged youth earn a respectful income for themselves and their families is executed through a strategic, multifaceted approach designed to provide practical skills, support, and opportunities. DTI’s slogan “Skills for Livelihood” embodies a commitment to empowering underprivileged youth by equipping them with practical and marketable skills.

In addition to technical skills, the institute emphasizes the importance of soft skills and life skills including Health, Safety & Environment, Communication Skills, Problem-solving etc. DTI also prioritizes women empowerment by developing and implementing specialized programs that cater specifically to women, including training in traditionally male-dominated trades like welding and electrical work.

With campuses located in Lahore and Sadiqabad, DTI provides state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment, and seasoned instructors, many of whom possess decades of experience in their respective fields, ensuring that students receive international standard trainings to build respectful careers. In addition, DTI provides technical training programs tailored for the corporate sector, emphasizing health and safety while improving employees’ technical skills. Numerous major companies, such as Coca-Cola Pakistan, OGDCL, and Engro, have trusted DTI for the technical training of their workforce over the years.

How has DTI contributed to technical and vocational skill development in Pakistan?

DTI has made significant contributions to skill development in Pakistan by providing industry-relevant technical training and education to individuals across the country. With a capacity to cater to over 1000 students at any given time, DTI has technically trained more than 35,000 individuals, including both men and women and facilitated about 1000 graduates find job opportunities overseas Some of the contributions include:

Industry-Aligned Training Programs: DTI offers specialized training programs that are closely aligned with industry needs, ensuring that graduates possess the skills required by employers. These programs cover a range of technical disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, welding etc.

Practical, Hands-On Learning: The institute emphasizes practical, hands-on training, allowing students to gain real-world experience in their chosen fields. This approach helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, making graduates more job-ready.

Partnerships with Industry: DTI collaborates with various industries to ensure its training programs are up-to-date and relevant. These partnerships also provide students with opportunities for internships and job placements, enhancing their employability both nationally and internationally.

Certification and Accreditation: The institute offers nationally and internationally recognized certifications like NEBOSH, IOSH, HABC etc, which help graduates secure better job opportunities both within Pakistan and abroad. These certifications validate the skills and competencies acquired by the students, making them competitive in the job market.

Cost-effective trainings: DTI is dedicated to providing training programs that are both high-quality and cost-effective. The institute offers a range of courses in fields like mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, as well as in specialized trades such as welding, instrumentation, and HVAC. These programs are designed to be affordable, making them accessible to a broader audience, including those from lower-income groups. DTI’s focus on practical, hands-on training ensures that students receive relevant and industry-aligned education, increasing their employability while keeping costs manageable.

Scholarships: DTI offers various scholarships to deserving students, helping to remove financial barriers that might prevent talented individuals from accessing technical education. These scholarships are designed to support students from underprivileged backgrounds, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their ability to acquire essential skills. By offering merit-based and need-based scholarships, DTI encourages a diverse range of students to pursue technical education, contributing to a more skilled and inclusive workforce.

Conclusion

Through these initiatives, DTI has become a key player in enhancing the technical capabilities of Pakistan’s workforce, thereby contributing to the country’s overall economic and social development.