AS globalisation reshapes the world economy, skilled labour has become a critical resource for nations vying for economic progress. In Pakistan’s technical and vocational ecosystem, like in other countries, an approach to skill recognition is the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certification framework. This programme not only empowers skilled workers, but if amplified, can favourably position us in the global labour market.

RPL is an innovative process that asses­ses and certifies skills acquired through mo­­­stly non-formal training or informal em­­ployment experience. In the local context, it is best understood as skill recognition acquired through the ustad-shagirdi system. By aligning these skills with the National Vocational Qualification Framework (NVQF), the programme allows workers to receive formal recognition for their expertise, regardless of how they gained it.

This initiative bridges the gap between workers’ potential and their employability, making them competitive in the global market. RPL-certified workers can confidently present their qualifications to employers abroad, ensuring fair compensation and access to better opportunities.

Empirical data reveals the significant impact of RPL certification, including country-wise workforce deployment with monthly remittance contribution. Their remittances provide a lifeline to Pakistan’s economy, supporting families, fostering local development, and adding to the nation’s foreign exchange reserves.

The RPL certification process ensures that workers meet international standards in their respective trades. The certification framework also includes mechanisms to continuously update certifications based on industry trends and technological advancements.

The RPL scheme allows workers to receive formal recognition for their expertise.

In 2019, 374 Pakistanis with RPL skill certificates went abroad, 190 in 2020, 503 in 2021, 1,293 in 2022, 1,417 in 2023 and 2,851 Pakistanis in 2024, according to the data of NVQF Registry and Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment. These numbers are small but increasing despite the challe­n­­ges of lack of awareness regarding the certification process, sporadic testing sche­du­­le, decreased information and access to tes­­­­ting centres, and language barriers for workers seeking international employment.

Out of the above-mentioned skilled workers abroad on RPL certificates, the top 10 trades are plumbing-solar water heating technology (842), mechanical technology-welder (581), mason (485), mechanical technology HVACR (458), general electrician (422), assistant steel fixer (378), shuttering carpenter (339), domestic electrician (338), construction (329) and automobile mechanic (264).

The provincial breakup is interesting as in Saudi Arabia, out of the RPL-certified skilled workers, the highest number are from the ICT region, followed by Punjab, then KP, Sindh and then Balochistan. In the UAE, the highest number is again from the ICT region, followed by Punjab, then KP, Sindh and lastly Balochistan. In Oman, the highest number are from ICT, followed by Punjab, KP and Sindh. From Balochistan, in Oman there are only five people with RPL certification.

Many individuals, particularly in rural areas, are unaware of RPL programmes and their benefits. People often doubt the credibility of RPL certifications compared to traditional qualifications. Gender inequality rears its ugly head here too with women, especially in conservative regions, facing barriers to accessing RPL opportunities. Within the system there are also challenges like lack of unified standard with inconsistent criteria and assessment pra­ctices across sectors undermining the pr­­ogramme’s reliability, and difficulty in matching informal skills with formal frameworks or job market requireme­n­­ts. There is also a shortage of qualifi­ed assessors capable of evaluating diverse skills effectively.

While regulatory authorities are tryi­­ng to overcome these challenges, the main lynchpin lies in de­­m­­and and supply. The more awareness and information about RPL’s opportunities and effectiveness, the more certifications and the more bodies will be compelled to strengthen the RPL certification process. The National Vocatio­nal and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) is expanding its outreach and simplifying the certification process. Partnerships with int­er­national organisations and governments are also being explored to ensure that RPL-certified workers are recognised globally.

The RPL programme is more than a certification process; it has the potential to empower Pakistan’s workforce, which might not be literate but is skilled, and strengthen its economic standing.

For Pakistan, the RPL certification programme is a testament to the power of skills and the boundless opportunities they create.

The writer is chairperson NAVTTC. chairperson@navttc.gov.pk

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2025