PVTC to replicate Competency based training in all its VTIs

Rawalpindi, July 26, 2016: The Punjab Vocational Training Council (PVTC) is replicating the Competency Based Training (CBT) in all its vocational training institutes all over Punjab in gradual manner.

The PVTC is one of the pioneers of vocational training provider, which piloted the CBT courses in 30 of its vocational training institutes under an ongoing pilot initiative with the assistance of the TVET Reform Support Programme, which is funded by the European Union and the governments of the Netherlands, Germany and Norway.

“The replication of the CBT courses to other institutes is in progress, as so far with 20 more institutes the number has already reached to 50,” says Mr. Shafqat-ur-Rehman, Manager Projects, PVTC said this while briefing a group of journalists at Vocational Training Institute Murree Rawalpindi, one of the CBT courses offering centers, here on Tuesday.

The introduction of CBT is an important element of the National Skills Strategy (NSS), which is the basis of the ongoing nation-wide TVET sector reform in Pakistan.

The CBT programme provides the basis for the implementation of the National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF), which the government has launched in March last year at a national level. Under this paradigm shift, the training programs are designed and delivered by adopting a systematic approach, focusing on better employability of the trainees with a strong link to the market. The duration of these new special training programmes ranges between 6-12 months. The CBT programme is also being implemented in 130 TEVT on pilot bases.

Private sector’s engagement in the planning and delivery of technical education and vocational training (TVET) is a key and that is why the PVTC is introducing CBT training courses, which links the training to the market needs, opined Mr. Rehman.

Initially the CBT courses are being offered in 14 trades which include Beauty Therapy, Hair Stylist, Skin Care, Computer Operator, Web Designing & Development, Auto-Cade, Graphic Designing, E-Commerce, Heating & Ventilation ,AC, Electronics Technician, Building Electrician, Solar Panel Installation, Plumber Solar Panel water Heater installation etc.The duration of these new special training programmes ranges between 6-12 months.

Mr. Rehman further added that there is a big mismatch in the skills being delivered in the vocational training centers and the ones needed in the industry and with the CBT approach the pass outs will be able to demonstrate the competence needed in the job market. He said industry being the beneficiary of the CBT programme is engaged not only in setting occupational standards, curricula, but also its input is part of the assessment of the trainees. He hoped that the CBT approach will be helpful in creating a paradigm shift in the way vocational training is delivered in Pakistan.