ROLE OF TVET GRADUATES IN SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN CENTRAL PUNJAB

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the impact of employing graduates of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) on the socio-economic progress of central Punjab. Pakistan is a country with rich natural and human resources. The role of highly skilled people in national development has become enormously vital in the new developmental period, but it is also an irrefutable fact that the gap in highly skilled personnel in Pakistan is expanding. The organization of Technical Vocational Education and Training was introduced to prepare a skilled workforce for various industries and sectors in Pakistan; however, the sixty percent of young, unskilled, and semi-skilled labor emerging from informal and non-formal sectors. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) primarily aims to enhance the skill sets of individuals employed in industry and provide them with education that is economically viable. This study explored the long run relationship between technical and vocational education and socio-economic development in Pakistan. The current study was carried out in Pakistan's Central Punjab. From central Punjab, two districts Lahore and Faisalabad were chosen. In order to obtain quantitative data, the Taro Yamane formula was used to determine the sample size, which came out to be 478 respondents. To augment the quantitative sections, eight focus groups with TVET graduates were conducted. The main data gathering tools were the interview schedule and interview guide. Quantitative data was subjected to gamma, chi-square, and regression analysis. Analysis revealed that participation in the labor force is crucial for development. The results show how important it is for women to participate significantly in the labor force for socioeconomic advancement. Compared to non-skilled workers, skilled labor was found to get jobs in the labor market more easily. In addition, the interviewees stated that human capital contributes to socioeconomic development and serves as a significant utilization indicator. Based on the results, it was determined that Pakistan may make use of its current pool of TVET graduates by fostering entrepreneurship, human capital building, and labor force participation. Consequently, societal discontent and unrest will arise in the nation as a result of the youth's lack of possibilities. In addition, it was recommended that the government concentrate on population welfare and youth-oriented policies in addition to resource planning and management to ensure careful workforce utilization and promote socioeconomic development.