Balochistan eyes skilled workforce

The Balochistan government plans to provide vocational training to 25,000 young people and prepare 30,000 skilled workers for overseas employment by next year, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said, stressing the need to align skills development with domestic and international job market demands.

The targets were discussed at a meeting of the Balochistan Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (B-TEVTA), chaired by the chief minister, which reviewed measures to strengthen technical education and expand employment prospects for young people.

Bugti directed officials to develop a comprehensive plan to help trained youth secure decent jobs and participate in the national and global economies. He said technical training programmes must keep pace with modern technology and the changing needs of employers.

He also called for stricter oversight and accountability to improve the performance of vocational training institutes and ensure that young people receive quality, market-oriented training.

Officials informed the meeting that an online institute registration portal had become operational to improve the registration and monitoring of technical and vocational education centres across the province.

The meeting also examined delays in the implementation of the Chief Minister's Youth Skill Development Programme. It was decided to take action against those responsible for the slow progress and accelerate work to meet the programme's objectives.

The chief minister reiterated his government's commitment to equipping young people with practical skills and connecting them with sustainable employment opportunities in Pakistan and abroad.

He said developing a skilled workforce was essential to expanding economic opportunities, strengthening Balochistan's economy and helping young people achieve financial independence.