Ahmed Khan Malik

Industrialists and experts have called on the Sindh government to urgently upgrade its technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system, warning that without comprehensive reforms, the province’s industrialisation drive could falter due to a shortage of skilled labour, outdated curricula, and weak linkages between training institutes and industry. In recent years, the Sindh government has taken some steps to integrate vocational skills into school education.

Under the Middle Tech Initiative, technical and vocational courses have been introduced at the middle school level in about 300 institutions, enrolling nearly 65,000 students. The courses include agriculture, electrical trades, graphic design, hotel management, Internet of Things (IoT), media production, plumbing, and tourism, among others — a move aimed at equipping students with practical skills from an early age.

The Sindh Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority (STEVTA), the key body responsible for managing TVET in the province, aims to build a skilled workforce capable of meeting both domestic and international market demands. It is pursuing infrastructure upgrades, modern teaching methods, and stronger industry-institute linkages. Similarly, the TVET Sector Support Programme (TVET SSP) has launched several pilot projects offering demand-driven, workplace-based training in various districts to better align education with employer needs.

Despite these initiatives, industrialists say the system remains far from effective. Graduates from many TVET institutes still lack the technical proficiency demanded by modern industries and emerging sectors. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular highlight gaps in innovation, limited access to modern technologies, and low-quality training outcomes.

“Some TVET curricula are outdated, training methodologies remain traditional, assessments are not always competency-based, and teachers often lack exposure to current industry practices,” said Murtaza Nadeem, a member of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, while speaking to Wealth Pakistan.

He noted that technical education has long been viewed as a less prestigious path compared to university education, especially among rural youth and women. Moreover, several remote districts in Sindh still have few institutions or lack properly resourced facilities.

“Industrialisation today is not just about steel and textiles; it also includes high-tech manufacturing, renewable energy, agro-processing, and services,” Nadeem said. “Sindh has natural advantages, such as ports in Karachi, agriculture in the interior, and tourism potential, but these sectors need skilled technicians, electricians, machine operators, solar panel installers, air conditioning mechanics, and digital design experts. Without trained personnel, factories are less productive, maintenance becomes costly, and quality suffers.”

SMEs, the backbone of Sindh’s economy, often face low productivity and competitiveness due to an unskilled workforce, outdated machinery, and limited value addition. Experts say stronger technical training could significantly boost industrial efficiency and help local enterprises compete both nationally and internationally.

Economic expert Rashid Soomro urged the creation of joint forums where business leaders, industry associations, and training institutes could design updated curricula, establish internship and apprenticeship programs, and secure government incentives for firms that offer workplace training.

He also recommended upgrading laboratories and workshops, ensuring trainers have real-world industrial experience, investing in continuous professional development, and expanding TVET centres in underserved rural districts. He emphasized the need for inclusive programs for women and minority groups, along with transport facilities, stipends, and flexible schedules to improve participation.

“Industrialisation is not just about setting up factories or attracting investment,” Soomro said. “It is about ensuring that people have the skills, opportunities, and environment to engage in productive work.”

Credit: INP-WealthPk