Pakistan TVET Reform Support Programme

🌟 Strengthening Skills Development in Balochistan: Meet Shoaib Shirazi

For the past five years, Shoaib Shirazi has been serving as the Principal of the Technical Training Center, helping expand access to technical and vocational education and strengthen skills development opportunities for youth in Balochistan 🎓

Established in 1978 under the Ministry of Labor & Manpower, the center has been actively collaborating with the European Union and GIZ to implement Competency-Based Training (CBT) programmes and modernise training approaches. The institute has also been selected as a Model Center under GIZ, supporting efforts to further improve the quality and relevance of TVET.

Here’s a glimpse into the center’s impact:

⚙️ 22 different trades currently offered through double-shift training
👨‍🎓 Around 450 students enrolled in one-year regular programmes
🛠️ Training opportunities for both students and school dropouts in trades such as welding, plumbing, carpentry, auto mechanics, machining, and electrical work
💻 IT and digital skills programmes including Amazon training, AutoCAD, office management, computer graphics, and diploma courses
🌍 The only NAVTTC Category-A accredited center in Balochistan
The center also serves as a Takamul Assessment Center, conducting skill verification and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessments for Saudi Arabia-bound workers.

A recent tracer study showed that around 65% of graduates are now employed in the market, highlighting the important role of TVET in supporting employability and creating pathways to sustainable livelihoods 🚀

Shoaib Shirazi also emphasises the importance of continuing to strengthen CBT implementation across all trades by investing in trained faculty and upgraded workshops to further enhance training quality and industry relevance.

GIZ,German International Cooperation
European Union in Pakistan
German Embassy Islamabad

📊 Turning data into better jobs

A strong skills system doesn’t happen by chance, it’s built on data, coordination, and smart decision-making. Through the TVET Sector Support Programme, Pakistan is strengthening how skills are planned, delivered, and aligned with real labour market needs.

💡 By upgrading the National Skills Information System (NSIS), the programme helps ensure that training is guided by real-time data on employment trends, so the right skills are developed at the right time.

⚙️ At the same time, improved monitoring and evaluation systems allow institutions to track performance, measure results, and continuously improve training quality.

🌐 From digitising governance processes to supporting international accreditation, these efforts are building a TVET system that is more transparent, efficient, and globally competitive.

What this will look like in practice:
📌 4 national and provincial TVET plans developed
📌 40 data-driven recommendations for better skills management
📌 300 TVET leaders trained
📌 10 institutes aligned with international accreditation standards

Because when systems work better, skills lead to real opportunities, and stronger economies ✨

GIZ,German International Cooperation
European Union in Pakistan
German Embassy Islamabad