Rawalpindi - The Punjab Vocational Training Council (PVTC) is gradually replicating the Competency Based Training (CBT) in all its vocational training institutes.

The PVTC is one of the pioneers in providing vocational training, and has piloted the CBT courses in 60 of its vocational training institutes under an ongoing pilot initiative with the assistance of TVET Reform Support Programme, which is funded by the European Union and the governments of Netherlands, Germany and Norway.

“Work is in progress to start CBT courses at other institutes as well. Already, there are 50 institutes where these courses have started,” Shafqatur Rahman, Manager Projects, PVTC, said while briefing a group of journalists at Vocational Training Institute at Murree Road, Rawalpindi.

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 had 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 TEVTs 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 has introduced CBT courses, which links the training to the market needs,” opined Rahman.

“Initially the CBT courses are being offered in 14 trades which include beauty therapy, hairstyling, skin care, computer operator, web designing, graphic designing, e-commerce, heating & ventilation, AC, electronics, technician, building electrician, solar panel installation and panel water heater installation etc. The duration of these new special training programmes ranges between 6-12 months,” he added.

Rahman further added that there was a big mismatch in the skills being imparted 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 the industry being the beneficiary of the CBT programme is engaged not only in setting occupational standards, curricula, but also its input is part of assessment of the trainees.

He hoped that the CBT approach would be helpful in creating a paradigm shift in the way vocational training is imparted in Pakistan.

Regional Manager North Col (R) Zahid Zulfiqar Qureshi, President DBOM Sohail Altaf, Area Manager Tahir Akram, Maj(R) JavedIqbal and Principal VTI Rawalpindi Abu Bakar were also present on the occasion.