The caretaker government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has taken a significant step towards promoting skill development by deciding to integrate technical education into public sector schools across the province.
On Sunday, Dr. Aamer Abdullah, the Minister for Technical Education, Industries, Commerce, and Newly Merged Districts Affairs, endorsed the proposal to introduce various technical courses to students in general education institutions and schools.
The goal is to provide students with practical skills alongside their academic curriculum. Dr. Abdullah directed the development of a feasible proposal for a pilot project, exploring potential collaborations between the higher education and technical education departments to ensure the success and utility of the initiative.
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The meeting at Civil Secretariat Peshawar, chaired by the caretaker minister, included key figures such as Secretary Higher Education Arshad Khan, Secretary Industries and Commerce Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Director (Finance) of Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) Munir Gul, and Chief Economist of the Department of Industry Basit Khalil.
Recognizing the contemporary importance of technical skills and vocational education, the meeting discussed the incorporation of vocational training courses alongside mainstream education. Participants unanimously supported the proposal, offering valuable insights during the deliberations.
The Secretary of Higher Education emphasized that the success of this plan would ensure that graduates of general education colleges, secondary and higher secondary certificate holders, and skilled individuals would have promising employment opportunities.
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The educated youth, equipped with both academic and practical skills, are expected to find meaningful employment in the job market.
The caretaker minister for technical education praised the proposal’s utility and urged the collaborative efforts of the higher education and industries and technical education departments to present a comprehensive plan.
He specifically called for the identification of responsibilities for both departments in executing the plan effectively. As part of the directive, he proposed the formation of a cluster of allocated colleges to implement the initiative as a pilot project.
This initiative underscores the need for bridging the gap between academic education and practical skills, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the job market.
The emphasis on collaboration and a pilot project approach reflects a thoughtful strategy to assess and refine the integration of technical education into mainstream schooling in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 18th, 2023.
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