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Senate Sub-Committee Seeks Comprehensive Five-Year Record from NAVTTC Following Performance Review

A Senate sub-committee on Wednesday directed the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) to submit a complete record of its financial management, institutional partnerships, and performance outcomes following a comprehensive review of the national technical and vocational education and training framework.

The meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training was held at Parliament House Presided over by Senator Kamran Murtaza. Initiated on the agenda of Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan, the review examined NAVTTC’s governance arrangements, funding mechanisms, partner selection processes, and employment outcomes over the past five years.

In a brief overview, NAVTTC stated that it functions as the apex national body for policy formulation, regulation, and strategic oversight of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector, operating under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training. The Commission reported that partner institutions are selected through publicly advertised processes, programmes are monitored through independent evaluations, and funds are released in phases against verified enrolments and performance benchmarks.

The Committee reviewed tracer study findings under the Skills for All initiative and the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Programme. According to data presented, 53 percent of trainees were employed at the time of survey, while 47 percent remained unemployed. Among those employed, 38 percent reported monthly earnings exceeding PKR 50,000, and 18 percent earned between PKR 31,000 and PKR 50,000.

Members emphasised the need to strengthen post-training employment linkages and improve outcome-tracking mechanisms to enhance placement rates.

During deliberations, Senator Sarmad Ali raised concerns regarding the concentration of a Huawei-supported training initiative for 2,000 trainees in Lahore, underscoring the importance of equitable provincial representation. NAVTTC clarified that training locations are determined by the corporate partner, while the Commission prioritises achieving a minimum employment rate of 60 percent in such collaborations. Future programmes, officials noted, are anticipated in Karachi.

Consolidating its directives, the Committee instructed NAVTTC and Ministry officials to submit comprehensive documentation ahead of the next session, including detailed funding allocations, disbursement procedures, partner institution lists, programme advertisements, and third-party evaluation reports.

Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan proposed holding future meetings or field visits in Karachi, Quetta, Skardu, and Kashmir to assess on-ground implementation. The Convener welcomed the proposal, reaffirming the Sub-Committee’s commitment to effective oversight and balanced provincial representation.

In concluding remarks, Senator Kamran Murtaza reiterated the Committee’s focus on measurable outcomes, fiscal discipline, and transparent governance across all NAVTTC initiatives.

The meeting was adjourned with directions for the submission of the requested record at the forthcoming session.