Abstract:

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is established in 2010 through a collaboration between Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Punjab government, with an aim to provide market-relevant and cost-effective skills training to the youth from rural and urban areas of Punjab. Through its extensive work in the sector, PSDF has observed that the traditional Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector faces several challenges, including high costs, low completion rates, outdated methods, limited rural access, quality control issues, and scalability constraints. Furthermore, in a country like Pakistan where around two (2) million youths enter the workforce annually, with subpar skills due to inadequate training facilities. Moreover, PSDF believes that the digitalization of TEVT skills training, especially in IT and freelancing sectors, is crucial specially after the Covid-19 and the fourth industrial revolution, which has opened the doors for upskilling opportunities.

Keeping this in view, PSDF took an initiative and strategically positioned itself to manage digital/IT growth projects with a special focus on freelancing opportunities for youth. This is achieved by integrating blended / hybrid training programs, and addressed the challenges like high costs, inconsistent quality, and limited scalability. Under this model PSDF combined online learning with hands-on practical training, providing flexibility, access to extensive content, and cost-effectiveness. The hybrid approach delivers 70%-80% of training online and 20%-30% through on-site practical sessions, ensuring consistent quality and scalability without significant infrastructure costs. Under this program eight (8) demand driven trades have been selected with a special focus to improve female labour force participation.

The model yields the following benefits:
1. Low Cost as compared to classroom training.
2. Reduced mobility issue for females
3. Consistent content deliver quality across the Punjab.
4. No specific time limitations

Keywords:

Technology, Blended Courses, Firs time in vocational skills sector, female empowerment, rural participation, cost effective, Addresses Female Mobility Issue.