PAKISTAN’S construction industry contributes around 2.5 per cent to GDP and employs about 8pc of the workforce. Major projects like CPEC and private real estate developments have led to a construction boom, increasing the demand for skilled labour, such as masons, welders, plumbers, carpenters, and heavy vehicle operators. It is estimated that the construction sector will need 1.5 million additional workers over the next five years. However, most of the current workforce lacks the technical skills needed for modern construction.

Pakistan has 2,173 technical and vocational (TVET) institutes, with 278 offering courses related to construction, such as AutoCAD, welding, HVACR, project management, and mechanical and electrical trades. Most of the learning is theoretical, leaving TVET graduates struggling to find relevant employment due to a lack of practical experience. In addition, both KP and Punjab produce Diploma of Associate Engineering (DAE) graduates in construction-related fields. KP sees some 3,200 students graduate annually, while Punjab produces over three times that number. Alarmingly, about 20pc of enrolled students drop out before finishing their education, indicating the need for enhanced support mechanisms,........

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