Unveiling The Gaps: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Influential Factors Affecting TVET Sector Performance In Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Context: Technical & Vocational Education & Training (TVET) is the backbone of a country’s industry as well as its economy. Punjab, being the most developed and most populous province of Pakistan, contributes significantly to the national economy and has been the major contributor towards the national labor force for local as well as international employment. However, irrespective of the countless TVET sector interventions made by the government, the TVET sector has found it hard to meet the expectations of its stake holders. This study has been conducted with the definite objective to analyze the progress of TVET sector within the Punjab by investigating the factors that influence its performance by incorporating the input from all the interested parties including but not limited to Industrial bodies, Trade Associations, Chambers of Commerce & Industry situated within Punjab, TVET faculty and alumni, higher seats of learning and public as well as private TVET service providers.

Approach: Qualitative research method along with stratified sampling followed by purposive sampling technique was designed for the selection of participants for conducting semi structured face to face interviews. An interview guide was designed for data collection through interviewing process. Manual thematic data analysis using inductive approach was employed for extracting useful information and results from the data so collected.

Findings: Study revealed that in governance and institutional management through its policy and planning, fiscal limitations and quality assurance inadequacies. Weak industry academia linkage is manifested in the form of supply demand mismatch and limited employment opportunities. Human resource issues like shortage of teaching staff along with bleak prospects of professional development coupled with gender disparity has put a check on the growth of TVET sector thereby affecting the image and branding of TVET sector.

Conclusions: Quick remedial actions on emergency basis in the form of implementation of TVET policies as economic priority, setting tangible objectives, autonomy of TVET sector, active engagement of Boards of M[1]anagement (BOMs) with industrial stakeholders and employing sophisticated approach towards female training and work-related needs can help TVET sector to achieve its intended goals.