School-level skill programme to benefit 1.4m students: Education Secy

Punjab School Education Department Secretary Muddassir Riaz Malik has said that under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister, a comprehensive skill-based training programme is being launched at school level across the province, which will benefit around 1.4 million students in its initial phase and prepare them for practical life

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Apr, 2026) Punjab School Education Department Secretary Muddassir Riaz Malik has said that under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister, a comprehensive skill-based training programme is being launched at school level across the province, which will benefit around 1.4 million students in its initial phase and prepare them for practical life.

He expressed these views during his visit to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he met LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol. Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh, Executive Committee Member Rana Nisar, and Convener Umer Saleem were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI President said that a skilled workforce is the foundation of a strong economy and the business community will fully support the promotion of skill-based education. He noted that the world is rapidly shifting from degree-based to skill-based systems, and Pakistan must take practical steps in the same direction. He emphasized the need for strong linkages between industry and academia to equip students according to market demands.

The Secretary Education stated that under this programme, students will start receiving formal skills training from grade 9 so that those who discontinue education after matriculation do not become unskilled labour but enter the workforce with practical skills. He highlighted that approximately 38.8 percent of students drop out after grade 10, which poses a significant challenge.

He further shared that the program will be implemented in 9,141 schools across Punjab, with three classes per week, enabling students to complete around 120 hours of training over two years.

Participation will be mandatory, and students will also be awarded 20 additional marks in matriculation.

Muddassir Riaz Malik said that the programme includes skills such as IT and Artificial Intelligence, healthcare, cooking, electrical work, plumbing, and other trades. Additional proposals include incorporating electric vehicles, sports goods, footwear, and garments sectors. He stressed that industry participation is essential for the program’s success, highlighting the importance of internships and apprenticeships.

He also informed that a comprehensive database will be established to track students’ progress and career paths, and the program will be aligned with district-level industry requirements. He added that similar models are already successfully implemented in countries like India and China, and globally the focus is shifting from degrees to skills.

Referring to his past administrative experience, the Secretary Education said that Pakistan’s industry showed resilience even during difficult economic conditions. When much of the world was shut down, Pakistan remained operational, resulting in increased exports and job creation. However, he acknowledged that at times uncertainty and crises adversely affect industrial centers, impacting business activities.

He appreciated the role of financial institutions and the business community in supporting economic activity during challenging times.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that effective implementation of the skill-based program, with active industry participation, can significantly reduce unemployment, empower youth, and strengthen the national economy.