Training standards 'aligned with EU, GCC'

Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training, National Heritage, and Culture, Farah Naz Akbar, informed the National Assembly that the government has undertaken several initiatives to bridge the skills gap and align the Pakistani workforce with the demands of the Middle Eastern labour market.

Responding to a question during the session, she highlighted key measures, including the establishment of the Pakistan Skill Company and the Pakistan Skill Development Fund to unify technical and vocational education across the country and create better employment opportunities for Pakistani workers abroad.

She further said that the National Vocational Qualification Framework (NVQF) regulations have been revised to align Pakistan's qualifications with the standards of destination countries, including those in the EU and the GCC.

This step aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Pakistani manpower and boost skilled labor exports.The government is integrating life skills and soft skills-such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, interpersonal skills, and work ethics-into technical and vocational training programs.

These skills are highly valued by Middle Eastern employers and are crucial for workplace success. The curriculum is also being updated to reflect the latest industry trends and technologies, ensuring that Pakistani workers are equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to meet evolving job market demands in the Middle East.