The Improving Workforce Readiness in Punjab Project (IWRPP) is being implemented by PIU under IC&ID that will help the TVET system to produce skilled workers, thereby, supporting economic growth and jobs creation in priority economic sectors. The PIU will be responsible to ensure timely delivery of the project. The IC&ID will be fully responsible for the implementation of all project components except for civil works component, where they will get implementation support from communication and works department (C&W Department).
The project is in consonance with the directions enumerated in the Punjab Growth Strategy 2023, including its emphasis on growing economic sectors; the important roles for the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA), the Punjab Vocational Training Council (PVTC), and the private sector in the delivery of TVET.
The project will finance the establishment of 19 Centers of Excellence (COEs) in existing TEVTA & PVTC institutes that will deliver high quality and relevant TVET by offering competency-based National Vocational Qualifications Framework programs and DAEs in the eight priority economic sectors. COEs will be equipped with upgraded facilities, equipment, and capacity building. The project will provide funding to the PIU/IC&ID to purchase demand-driven training programs.
The project will also strengthen TVET sector institutional framework in Punjab. These investments are expected to increase enrollments and completion rates for long duration courses i.e. DAE (3 years) and short duration courses (Level 2-Level 4) TVET courses in COEs, and PIU/IC&ID funded training courses (Level2-Level4 CBTA and DAE programs in relevant CBTA), better employment rates and wage premiums for graduates of these courses.
The key objectives and goals of IWRPP are listed hereunder:
A Project Steering Committee will be established to guide the EA and monitor overall project performance and outcome. The PSC will be chaired by the Chairman, Planning and Development Board, and will be composed of Secretaries of IC&ID, Planning and Development, Finance, PIU Project Director and shall include representatives from academia, TVET professional and at least three representatives from the private industry. It has been deliberated that the project involves market driven training and in order to remain market relevant, machinery/equipment/curriculum/trainings would be changed whereas the process of revision of PC-1 by CDWP/ECNEC may take much longer time, therefore, the PSC shall have the authority to amend changes in machinery/equipment/curriculum/trainings while keeping in overall project cost and duration.