Skill City Punjab plan approved to boost youth employability and technical education

Skill City Punjab has received in-principle approval from Maryam Nawaz Sharif to improve youth employability in the province.

The decision was taken in Lahore, where officials were directed to present a detailed plan soon. The project aims to connect technical education with industry needs.

Under the Skill City Punjab plan, new technical institutes will be developed. Existing vocational centers across Punjab will also be upgraded into Centres of Excellence.

Authorities plan to improve global recognition by linking the Technical and Vocational Education Board with institutions in the United Kingdom and Scotland.

A new program will also introduce technical education at the matric level. Students will learn practical skills early, helping them get jobs after school.

Training fields include graphic design, coding, media production, fashion design, tourism, electrical work, plumbing, solar systems, cooking, and health-related skills.

While chairing a meeting on school-based skills development, Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the goal is to prepare skilled and job-ready youth. She instructed hiring qualified teachers and designing courses with industry experts.

Separately, in her Eidul Fitr message, she urged people to celebrate simply and remember those in need. She said real happiness comes when everyone shares the joy.

She added that financial aid has reached millions of families across Punjab. Programs like “Maryam Ki Sunain” provided Rs10,000 to deserving families through digital transfers.

On World Down Syndrome Day, the chief minister stressed better care, education, and inclusion for children with special needs. She called for improved treatment and support systems.

In her Nowruz message, she highlighted unity, peace, and cultural harmony. She said such festivals bring people closer.

She also urged citizens to plant trees on the International Day of Forests. She said protecting nature is a shared responsibility.

The government, she added, is using modern technology to protect forests and improve environmental management.