The Punjab government has taken a major step towards improving youth employment by approving the establishment of the province’s first “Skill City” and introducing technical education at the matriculation level. The initiative aims to equip students with practical, job-oriented skills aligned with modern industry demands.
During a special meeting on “Matric Tech” and school-based skills development, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif gave in-principle approval for the project and directed officials to prepare detailed plans. The proposed Skill City will include industry-focused technical institutes, while existing vocational training centers across Punjab will be upgraded into Centres of Excellence to enhance training quality.
As part of broader education reforms, the government also plans to link Punjab’s Technical and Vocational Education Board with institutions in Scotland and the United Kingdom. This collaboration is expected to improve the global recognition and standards of technical education in the province.
Under the new system, students will receive hands-on training alongside their academic studies, enabling them to enter the workforce immediately after completing matriculation. The curriculum will cover a wide range of fields, including graphic design, media production, coding, tourism, electrical work, plumbing, solar technology, culinary arts, fashion design, and allied health sciences.
The chief minister emphasized the importance of hiring qualified instructors and developing curricula in consultation with industry experts to ensure relevance to market needs. She stated that the government’s goal is to empower young people with employable skills and transform them into a productive and competitive workforce.
This initiative reflects Punjab’s commitment to strengthening technical education and addressing unemployment by preparing students for real-world career opportunities.
