Vocational Education in Pakistan’s New Era: Critical Challenges and Pathways for Reform

Abstract

This study examines the development of vocational education in Pakistan through the lens of policy evolution, international collaboration, and localized practices. Against the backdrop of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which demands a skilled workforce for infrastructure and digital industries, the research identifies systemic challenges such as funding shortages, curriculum-industry mismatches, and low employment rates. By analyzing government policies, transnational initiatives like the Luban Workshop, and innovative pedagogies such as the Engineering Practice Innovation Project (EPIP), the paper highlights the transformative potential of integrating international standards with local needs. Key findings reveal that collaborative models enhance curriculum relevance and graduate employability, as evidenced by the 100% employment rate of Luban Workshop graduates in CPEC-linked sectors. However, persistent issues—including overreliance on foreign funding and insufficient teacher training—require targeted reforms, such as incentivizing private-sector participation and adopting hybrid training systems. The study underscores the role of vocational education in achieving sustainable development goals and proposes scaling up Sino-Pakistani cooperation to build a skilled workforce for economic resilience.