Streamlining Pakistan’s TVET Sector: Enhancing Qualification Awarding Bodies Assessments and Certification Standards for Global Recognition.

Shoaib Akhtar Rao - TVET Consultant in Education, Vocational Training and Skills Development

1.0 Introduction:

Pakistan’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector is crucial for developing a skilled workforce to meet both domestic and international job market demands. With a significant number of Pakistanis seeking employment abroad each year, the quality and recognition of TVET certifications are critical. Despite ongoing reforms, the sector faces substantial challenges, particularly concerning the uniformity and recognition of qualifications awarded by the 13 Qualification Awarding Bodies (QABs). This article explores these challenges and proposes strategic solutions to improve the effectiveness and credibility of Pakistan’s TVET system.

2.0 Background:

The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) oversees the certification process through 13 Qualification Awarding Bodies (QABs). Despite NAVTTC’s foundational framework, the varying policies and assessment procedures among these QABs have led to inconsistencies. Reports from NAVTTC, the Board of Technical Education, and other organizations reveal that current standards often fail to meet global expectations, affecting the international credibility of Pakistani qualifications. To enhance the global recognition of Pakistani certifications, NAVTTC needs to focus on refining the functions and policies of the QABs, implementing a stringent and transparent monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance and consistency.

3.0 Objective: This article aims to explore the challenges faced by Pakistan’s TVET qualification awarding bodies in assessments, quality assurance, and skill evaluation. It also seeks to provide strategic recommendations to align Pakistan's TVET certifications with international standards, enhancing their credibility and recognition worldwide.

4.0 Challenges in Certification and Recognition

1. Fragmented Standards and Procedures: Pakistan’s TVET system is marked by fragmentation, with each of the 13 QABs operating independently with its own policies and assessment procedures. This lack of uniformity leads to inconsistencies in qualification standards and undermines their credibility. Although NAVTTC has developed a framework for standardization, many stakeholders believe the standards remain outdated and misaligned with current industry needs (NAVTTC, 2013).
2. Political and Policy Challenges: TVET has historically been a low priority in Pakistan’s political landscape. The 18th Amendment, which decentralized education responsibilities, has exacerbated the fragmentation of the TVET sector, creating a disjointed approach between federal and provincial levels. This decentralization has resulted in varied policies and practices, further complicating the standardization of qualifications.
3. Inadequate Funding and Resource Allocation: Funding for TVET programs is often insufficient, leading to outdated equipment and machinery, which adversely affects the quality of training as well as Assessments. Additionally, even after implementation of CBT&A 70 to 80% curricula , institutes and QABs using traditional approach, old procedures frequently time-bound and do not keep pace with technological advancements or industry requirements, resulting in a mismatch between the skills imparted and those needed in the labor market.
4. Quality of Instruction and Training: The quality of instruction is another significant issue. Many trainers and instructors lack ongoing skills development opportunities, which impairs their ability to deliver up-to-date training. This lack of professional development affects the overall quality of education and the employability of graduates.
5. Labor Market Information and Industry Linkages: There is inadequate labor market information, which hinders the alignment of training programs with industry needs. Furthermore, TVET institutions often lack strong linkages with industry, leading to a trust deficit and a mismatch between the skills taught and those required by employers.
6. Absence of Quality Assurance Mechanisms: The TVET sector lacks effective quality assurance mechanisms, which affects the consistency and reliability of qualifications. Without a robust system to ensure the quality of training and certification, the credibility of qualifications is compromised.
7. Recognition and Trust Issues: The fragmented nature of the TVET system and the variability in qualification standards affect the recognition and trust in Pakistani certifications. Both domestically and internationally, there is skepticism about the value and validity of Pakistani qualifications, impacting the employability of graduates and their ability to compete in global markets.

8.      Lack of Uniform Standards: The 13 QABs operate independently with their own policy, leading to inconsistencies in Certification standards. NAVTTC’s framework is frequently criticized for being outdated and misaligned with current industry needs, resulting in discrepancies in certification quality and global recognition.

9.      Outdated Skills Standards: Trainers and practitioners argue that the skills standards and assessment packages mandated by NAVTTC are obsolete. This misalignment affects the practical competencies of graduates, impacting their employability and productivity.

10.   Inadequate Assessment Packages: Current assessment methods are outdated and often compromised by political pressures to inflate passing rates, undermining the credibility of the TVET system.

11.   Absence of Dual Certification Policy: The lack of a dual certification policy limits the global acceptance of Pakistani qualifications, affecting employment opportunities for Pakistani workers abroad.

12.   Political Pressure: Political influence often leads to inflated passing rates, which undermines genuine skill development and quality assurance, further devaluing TVET certifications.

13.   International Perception and Trust Issues: Issues such as the need for Pakistani skilled labor to undergo retesting abroad and the prevalence of fake certificates tarnish the international reputation of Pakistani TVET qualifications.

14.   Recognition of Overseas Experience: Returning Pakistani workers often lack formal recognition for their overseas skills, affecting their employability and the effective utilization of this skilled human capital.

5.0 Critical Issues Affecting Global Recognition

1. Inadequate Quality Assurance and Monitoring: The lack of rigorous quality assurance procedures and monitoring policies among the QABs significantly impacts the global recognition of Pakistani certifications. The certification process often fails to ensure that the standards are consistently maintained, leading to a situation where certified individuals may not possess the skills they are purported to have.
2. Revenue-Driven Focus: Some QABs prioritize generating revenue from certification fees and affiliations over maintaining high standards. This focus on financial benefits rather than quality assurance undermines the credibility of the certifications issued.
3. Lack of Competent Personnel: Many QABs lack a competent team with relevant TVET experience and qualifications. Effective TVET policymaking and governance should be handled by professionals with a strong background in TVET, rather than individuals lacking relevant experience. The absence of experienced policymakers in TVET undermines the development of effective and relevant standards, needs , best international practices and trends.
4. Political Influence and Favoritism: Politically motivated appointments and favoritism in recruitment, placements have compromised the integrity of the TVET system. The lack of adherence to NAVTTC guidelines due to political interference has resulted in inconsistencies and a deterioration in the quality of TVET organizations.

6.0 Recommendation for Govt, NAVTTC and QABs.

1. Establishment of Skills Standards Sections: To address the issue of outdated standards, it is proposed that each QAB establish a dedicated Skills Standards Section. This section would be responsible for continuously reviewing and updating skills standards in collaboration with industry experts. Recommendations from these sections should be compiled annually and submitted to NAVTTC for approval and implementation.
2. Annual Review of Assessment Packages: Assessment packages should be revised annually based on the recommendations from the Skills Standards Sections. This continuous improvement process would ensure that certification procedures align with global standards and industry requirements, enhancing the credibility of Pakistani qualifications.
3. Strengthening Industry Linkages: Developing stronger linkages with industry is crucial. TVET institutions should collaborate more closely with employers to ensure that training programs are responsive to labor market needs. This collaboration could involve advisory boards, internships, and partnerships with industry leaders.
4. Improving Funding and Resource Allocation: Increased investment in TVET is necessary to modernize equipment and update curricula. Adequate funding should be allocated to support these updates and ensure that training facilities are equipped to deliver high-quality education.
5. Enhancing Assessors, Instructors Training and Development: Ongoing professional development opportunities should be provided for trainers and instructors. This will help them stay current with industry trends and improve the quality of instruction.
6. Implementing Robust Quality Assurance Mechanisms: A comprehensive quality assurance framework should be established to ensure the consistency and reliability of qualifications. This framework should include regular audits, evaluations, and accreditation processes.
7. Increasing Recognition and Trust: Efforts should be made to enhance the recognition of Pakistani qualifications both domestically and internationally. This could involve aligning certification standards with global benchmarks, participating in international accreditation bodies, and promoting the value of Pakistani qualifications through various channels.
8. Implementing Dual Certification Policy: Introducing a dual certification policy, where Pakistani qualifications are co-recognized with international bodies, will enhance their global acceptance and increase employment opportunities for Pakistani workers.
9. Acknowledging Overseas Skills: Develop policies to formally recognize and validate the skills and experiences of Pakistani workers who return from abroad. This includes creating certification programs that acknowledge their overseas expertise and facilitate their reintegration into the local job market.
10. Leveraging Remittances for Economic Growth: The government should explore strategies to maximize remittances from skilled workers abroad. Investing in training and infrastructure to enhance the skills of workers can further increase remittances and contribute to economic growth.

7.0 Lessons Learned

Lessons Learned, the current financial challenges facing Pakistan, including a severe dollar shortage and an imbalanced import-export ratio, highlight the urgent need to maximize remittances from overseas workers. Training workers in emerging technologies and skills that meet international standards is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. As an expert working with QABs and as an assessor, it is clear that Pakistan is not producing enough experts to meet international requirements. Assessors themselves require further training to properly evaluate the technical skills of candidates.

Currently, assessments focus on quantity rather than quality, with assessors often tasked with evaluating 40-50 individuals in just six hours, despite policies suggesting a more manageable 15-20. Unfortunately, there is little oversight, and each QAB operates independently without proper monitoring mechanisms. NAVTTC must take strict action against such practices and enforce stringent policies for QABs. However, QABs often claim a lack of funds and resources to meet these standards, which goes unchallenged. Without intervention, these issues will continue to undermine the credibility of Pakistan's TVET certifications.

The challenges faced by Pakistan’s TVET sector underscore the need for systemic reforms. The lack of recognition for the skills and experiences of overseas Pakistani workers is a significant issue that requires immediate attention. The government must develop strategies to ensure that the skills of these workers are formally recognized, both during and after their employment abroad.

8.0 Conclusion

The future of Pakistan’s skilled labor market depends on the effectiveness of its TVET system. By addressing the challenges identified and implementing the recommended strategies, Pakistan can enhance the quality of its TVET certifications and improve the global competitiveness of its workforce.Data from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment shows that over 10 million Pakistanis have migrated for work since 1971, with approximately 800,000 migrating in 2022 alone. Despite this, most migrants work in low-skilled jobs. An IOM study found that 60% of returning migrant workers seek skill upgrades and recognition, while 75% prefer working in countries where their skills are acknowledged and rewarded.Recognizing the skills and experiences of overseas workers is essential not only for their employability but also for the country’s economic growth and development. Improving Pakistan’s TVET sector is crucial for enhancing the quality and global recognition of its qualifications. By addressing critical issues such as quality assurance, political influence, and the need for competent personnel in policymaking, and by implementing strategic reforms, Pakistan can better prepare its workforce for both domestic and international opportunities.

9.0 Reference List

• National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC). (2013). Final Report Vision 2025.

• Reports from the Board of Technical Education
• Industry and labor market studies related to TVET
• Publications on TVET reforms and global standards
• International organizations involved in TVET accreditation