Services Provided
Semiotics is commissioned together with AARC Consultants to provide technical assistance to ADB through Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction on implementation of the IWRPP – a USD 100 million TVET sector project being implemented in Punjab.
As part of the TA-10035 PAK: Improving Workforce Readiness in Punjab Project - TVET Sector and Skills Mapping Firm, a skills mapping exercise was conducted to understand the labor market needs and assess current skills gap to better align trainings with emerging demand.
The skills mapping exercise involved extensive primary and secondary research including consultations with industry and TVET stakeholders, group discussions with sector experts, and surveys with employers/industry to identify industry processes, activities and associated in-demand trades. Results were triangulated with detailed labor market analysis and available data sources. Findings from the skills mapping exercise inform demand for skills to increase employment and inclusive growth opportunities in priority economic sectors. Recommendations for training courses was designed based on the demand of skills/trades as well as the available supply of training courses using a two-tiered, phased delivery approach.
Textiles and Garments: A detailed skills mapping by occupation was undertaken for each of the identified processes categorized in pre-production, production, and auxiliary departments. The top ten trades in high demand across the sector and the projected demand were presented in the report. It was concluded that a total of 10,000 workers needed to be trained in the immediate term across the ten high-demand occupations, while an additional supply of 39,300 trained male and female workers was required to bridge the demand gap between the current number of skilled laborers and future requirements. This suggested that an additional 50,000 workers needed to be trained in Punjab for the future term (next five years), or 12,500 workers per year over that period.
Recommendations according to future trends highlighted a growing need for skills related to Industry 4.0 and lean management, which were identified as scarce in the market. Additionally, training in 3D Digital Fashion Design, digital merchandising strategies, and leadership in apparel production was considered essential for the industry’s evolution. It was reported that a total of 5,500 workers had to be trained in these new skills for Pakistan to fully capitalize on the latest trends and technologies in the global textile and apparel sector.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT): The skills mapping for the ICT sector was focused on software development, the leading export revenue driver, and a high contributor in the domestic market. Over 100,000 job openings were anticipated as available in the IT industry considering the industry comprised of 10,000 companies. These figures were further validated through association, industry, and employer consultations. A prioritized list of technical skills with respect to demand aligned to the skillset was included in the report.
In addition, relevant and demanded certifications were also identified and proposed: 1) Vendor-Neutral Certifications for Beginners targeting 3,800 trainees over the next 1 year aiming to provide foundational knowledge and skills essential for entry-level positions within the IT sector; 2) vendor-Specific Certifications (International) focusing on catering to 12,200 trainees over next 2-5 years underscoring the importance of obtaining internationally recognized certifications tailored to specific vendor technologies, enhancing employability in the local as well as global market and 3) Technology Stream Trainings for Boot Camps envisaging a cohort of 16,000 trainees over next 2-5 years, aimed to provide intensive, hands-on training in specialized technology streams, preparing participants for the demands of contemporary IT roles.
Hospitality and Tourism: The skills mapping exercise of the hospitality and tourism sector identified the processes and subsequent in-demand trades. The sub-sectors including hotels and lodging, food and beverage, travel agencies/tour operators and events were further divided into categories under which trades were listed to complete the skills map of the subsectors.
The top trades in high demand across the subsectors and their projected demand was reported. It was proposed that a total of 18,187 workers will need to be trained in the immediate term for hotel and lodging occupations in addition to 21,840 workers for the food and beverage subsector. Over the next 5 years, anticipated demand was reported to be 93,000 workers in hotel and lodging and 112,000 workers in the food and beverage subsector. Proposed training by trade was outlined, keeping in mind available courses being offered by public and private institutes with their forecasted demand amounting to 20,253 in Year 1. Soft skills such as teamwork, communication, language and literacy and customer service were also highlighted.
Construction: Key components of the construction sector encompassing Architecture and Design, On-site Work, Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing (MEP), and Civil Engineering, each involving multiple activities were identified in the skills map. Demand was presented for trades such as plumbing, building electricians, carpentry, aluminum and steel fabrication, and masonry, with estimates that over 100,000 workers were required overall. Additionally, the demand for heavy machine operators, particularly those familiar with modern technologies, was identified along with workers skilled in stone stamping and earth wall stabilization techniques. A rising demand for green skills was also highlighted. The top fifteen trades which are in demand and for which relevant courses were offered in the province, were also listed.
Furthermore, the opportunity of expanding labor export due to development projects in Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE was identified with specific trades listed under international demand like finishing (gypsum workers, carpenter, tile), duct man (HVAC, AC Technicians), facility management, building information management (BIM), muti-skilled technicians, composite material technicians, steel erectors and pre-cast erectors amongst others.
Automobile and Motorbike Parts, Repairs and Services: The components of the production process of auto and motorbike assembly included the design, tools and die, technical support, electronics and electrical parts, metal casting, metal forging, rubber and plastic parts, and sheet metal, each encompassing differentiated activities. In terms of repair and maintenance, the processes were identified as repair service, detailing and paint, glass and ceramic coating of vehicles, automobile diagnostics and car detailing, and automotive glass replacement.
The total demand for assembly and parts workers was anticipated to be 15,800 workers in the short term, with 37,200 additional workers needed over the next 5 years. Turning to repair and maintenance, the total current demand for repair and maintenance trades was estimated at 16,000 workers rising to 31,000 workers over the next 5 years. Subsequent trades in high demand across the subsectors and their respective projected demand was also documented. Additionally, electric vehicle (EV) and electric bike related trades such as chemical handlers and assemblers, EV motor electrician and Electrician/Mechatronics were also highlighted.
Food Processing: The processing stages within each subsector of the food processing industry (milk and dairy, meat and livestock, fruit and vegetable processing, and frozen food sectors) along with their subsequent activities and trades were identified in the report.
The top five trades in high demand across subsectors and projected demand were highlighted. Within the milk and dairy processing subsector, the total demand for workers was anticipated at 17,450 in the short term, with 32,500 additional workers needed over the next 5 years. For fruit and vegetable processing, the current demand for workers amounted to 9,100, and an additional 23,200 workers were anticipated to be required in the medium term. Turning to meat processing, the total current demand for top trades was reported as 4,500 workers, rising to 15,500 workers over the medium term while frozen food processing demand was 2,000 and 4,500, respectively. Overall, the food processing sector’s demand was therefore anticipated to be 31,000, while demand in the next 4-5 years was reported to be 75,700.
Furthermore, industry management related trades were identified along with a list of internationally demanded certifications that could be included in the TVET course roster in the long-term.
Light Engineering: The key processes in light engineering were identified as die making, forging, machining, rough shaping and in-process inspection, heat treatment and material testing, riveting, and polishing and final assembly. Additionally, in the Agri-implements and Renewable Energy subsectors, installation, as well as operation and maintenance were noted as essential activities.
The cumulative demand for trained workers in the sector was 30,700, with an anticipated need for 60,500 skilled workers over the next 4-5 years. The top trades in high demand across subsectors was also reported along with additional recommendations to engage more women in the sector and making it incorporative of technological advancements like automation and artificial intelligence (AI).
Health: TVET in the healthcare sector of Pakistan pertained to equipping individuals to aid in clinical, supportive, and administrative roles hence the sector study, consideration for TVET in Punjab focused on selected clinical and non-clinical roles related to controlling infectious diseases, technicians, and machine operators. Select components and activities, together with associated occupations/trades where training may be offered through the TVET system were proposed.
Additionally, the skills gap in the machine operation and maintenance sub-group due to limited training experience with modern technology and with use of advanced diagnostic tools increasing (particularly in private hospitals, clinics, and laboratories) was highlighted. Furthermore, training through educational programs that are in line with the advancing equipment and include hands-on-training were recommended. Opportunities such as training lab technicians to expand testing and analysis in the health sector, especially for infectious diseases, were also highlighted.