16 Dec
Press Release

PSDF signs contracts to fund specialized trainings for Non-Muslim Youth

Lahore, Pakistan: On 16th December, Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) organized a contract distribution ceremony for training service providers that qualified under its scheme “Employability Skills for Non-Muslim Youth”.


Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs, Mr Ijaz Alam Augustine addressing the audience

Speaking at the ceremony as chief guest was Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs, Mr. Ijaz Alam Augustine, who outlined the problems that Non-Muslim youth face in Pakistan: poverty, lack of access to education or skills resulting in low paid jobs. He emphasized the need for various stakeholders from the public and private sector to come together and find viable solutions. He commended PSDF, and the training service providers in taking this initiative to improve employability for Non-Muslim Youth in Punjab.


COO PSDF, Mr. Ali Akbar Bosan speaking at the contract signing ceremony

Mr. Ali Akbar Bosan, Chief Operating Officer at PSDF said that the scheme for “Employability Skills for Non-Muslim Youth” represented PSDF’s commitment to provide skills training to vulnerable and marginalized segments of the population. He reiterated that this scheme stemmed from the belief at PSDF that all communities be given equal education, training and economic opportunities.

This scheme is part of the UMEED (Upskilling Marginalized youth for Employability, Empowerment and Dignity) programme at PSDF, which is designed to help ease the transition of marginalized communities into mainstream skilled employment opportunities that have a high earning potential. The skills imparted to the youth are in market relevant and demand driven trades, ranging from AutoCAD, Mobile Development and Graphic Design, to Industrial Operators and Beautician. PSDF has actively involved multiple employers, industrial units and formal training institutions to ensure demand driven training and placement. The aim of this scheme is to ultimately train 5,000 Non-Muslim youth, across 17 different districts in Punjab.

About PSDF – A Success Story of Public-Private Partnerships:

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is the largest skills development fund in Pakistan. PSDF was established in 2010 as a not-for-profit company set up under the Companies Ordinance 1984 by the Government of Punjab (GoPb) in collaboration with UK’s Department for International Development (DFID). PSDF also exclusively manages the skills training funding of the World Bank.

PSDF’s purpose is to shape the future and well-being of our poor and vulnerable youth by giving them access to skills training of the highest standard so they can find sustainable employment and income-generating opportunities in Pakistan and beyond.

PSDF started its operations in the 4 poorest districts of Punjab. Since 2016, The geographical remit has expanded to the entire 36 districts of Punjab. PSDF has trained almost 400,000+ underprivileged youth across Punjab, which includes 200,000+ male and 160,000+ female graduates. These graduates have been trained in approximately 250 demand-driven and market relevant trades across 10 sectors.

PSDF has played a leadership role in creating a skills training market with 90% training partners in the private sector. With 400 training partners that deliver training on behalf of PSDF, out of which over 150 are businesses across the 10 sectors. PSDF has adopted an output-based funding mechanism where it funds contract-to-completion outputs as well as completion-to-income generation outcomes.

PSDF – Media Enquiries

Communications Team:
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF),
Contact: +92-42-35752408-10
E-mail: communications@psdf.org.pk

Follow PSDF on Social Media

Website: www.psdf.org.pk
LinkedIn: Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)
Facebook:/punjabskillsdevelopmentfund
Twitter: @PSDF_official
YouTube: /punjabskillsdevelopmentfund

22 Oct
Press Release

The Americana Group, signs a MoU with Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)

The Americana Group, signs a MoU with Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)

Lahore, Pakistan – One of the Middle East’s largest food manufacturing and distributing company leading restaurant operators, Americana Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) with the aim of hiring trained workforce from Punjab for their Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) business division, that operates close to 1,900 restaurants in the Region. The agreement was signed between Mr. Sai Gandhi, Chief Human Resources Officer, Americana Restaurant Division and Mr. Jawad Khan, Chief Executive Officer, PSDF at the Americana Group Head Office, Sharjah, UAE.

The two parties are committed to creating a successful long-term partnership and give the youth from Punjab a chance to build their careers with one of the leading organizations in the Middle East. In accordance with the agreement MoU, PSDF will fund the training of the workforce, while The Americana Group will employ them the eligible candidates across their QSRs in UAE and KSA.

Mr. Sai Gandhi, Chief Human Resources Officer, Americana Restaurants Division said, “Our partnership with the Punjab Skills Development Fund is to attract young talent and grow our pipeline for our growing restaurant business.”

Mr. Jawad Khan, CEO, PSDF said, “PSDF is playing a leading role in partnering with the best organizations in the Middle East and helping them meet their skilled workforce needs from Pakistan. After the success achieved with Atlantis The Palm and Rotana Groups in the hospitality sector, PSDF is very proud to partner with Americana and meet their skills needs in the QSR space. We look forward to growing our mandate with Americana in other areas of their business.”

About Americana:

Americana is one of the largest and most successful groups in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA), with capabilities spanning manufacturing, distribution and restaurant operations. Our much-loved brands are present in more than 20 markets globally. For over 50 years, Americana has managed a wide portfolio of well-respected brands across its two Divisions: Restaurants and Food, creating direct jobs for almost 60,000 people, today.

A regional pioneer, Americana introduced the concept of Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) to the Region with its first restaurant of the kind, Wimpy, in Kuwait in 1970. Today, the Restaurants Division operates 1,900 restaurants, with over 40,000 employees, in 13 markets. Americana is the franchisee of some of the world’s most prominent brands in fast food and casual dining; including KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee’s, Costa Coffee, Krispy Kreme and TGI Friday’s; to name a few.

About PSDF – A Success Story of Public-Private Partnerships:

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is the largest skills development fund in Pakistan. PSDF was established in 2010 as a not-for-profit company set up under the Companies Ordinance 1984 by the Government of Punjab (GoPb) in collaboration with UK’s Department for International Development (DFID). PSDF also exclusively manages the skills training funding of the World Bank.

PSDF’s purpose is to shape the future and well-being of our poor and vulnerable youth by giving them access to skills training of the highest standard so they can find sustainable employment and income-generating opportunities in Pakistan and beyond.

PSDF started its operations in the 4 poorest districts of Punjab. Since 2016, The geographical remit has expanded to the entire 36 districts of Punjab. PSDF has trained almost 300,000 underprivileged youth across Punjab, which includes 180,000+ male and 110,000+ female graduates. These graduates have been trained in approximately 250 demand-driven and market relevant trades across 10 sectors.

PSDF has played a leadership role in creating a skills training market with 90% training partners in the private sector. With 400 training partners that deliver training on behalf of PSDF, out of which over 150 are businesses across the 10 sectors. PSDF has adopted an output-based funding mechanism where it funds contract-to-completion outputs as well as completion-to-income generation outcomes.

PSDF – Media Enquiries

Communications Team:
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF),
Contact: +92-42-35752408-10
E-mail: communications@psdf.org.pk

Follow PSDF on Social Media

Website: www.psdf.org.pk
LinkedIn: Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)
Facebook:/punjabskillsdevelopmentfund
Twitter: @PSDF_official
YouTube: /punjabskillsdevelopmentfund

15 Oct
Press Release

Samsung Empowers Rural Female Artisans by supporting their Craftsmanship through its Corporate Citizenship Initiative – Aangan

Samsung in collaboration with Kaarvan Crafts Foundation and Punjab Skill Development Fund is encouraging financial inclusion of women through digital literacy and provision of technology at the grass root level

Lahore, October 11, 2019: Samsung introduces the second edition of Aangan to improve the financial outlook and create opportunities for women in partnership with Kaarvan Crafts Foundation and Punjab Skill Development Fund. Through Aangan, Samsung is reviving and celebrating Pakistani female rural artisans and their craftsmanship and becoming the enabler for financial inclusivity.

The official MOU signing ceremony for this year’s edition of Aangan took place at the Samsung head office in Lahore. The MOU was signed by Mr. Roy Chang – Managing Director Samsung Electronics Pakistan, Mr. Danish Jabbar Khan – Chief Executive Officer Kaarvan Crafts Foundation and Mr. Jawad Khan – Chief Executive Officer Punjab Skill Development Fund.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Roy said: “At Samsung, our Global Corporate Citizenship vision is ‘Enabling People’. By providing education for future generations, we empower future innovators to achieve their full potential and become the next generations of leaders to pioneer positive social change.”

Aangan is an initiative that aims to revolutionize every courtyard, in every home; creating female micro-entrepreneurs (MEs) in various villages all across Punjab. Aangan started last year in partnership with Kaarvan Crafts Foundation with 80 micro-entrepreneurs (MEs) garnering massive success and helping these MEs earn an additional 12% on average and hence contributing towards their improved financial standing. This year the programme has been expanded to 140 micro-entrepreneurs with the inclusion of graduates from the Skills for Market Linkages (SFML) initiative of PSDF; providing them with market linkages through the aanganpk.com marketplace and transforming skilled craftswomen into business women.

Mr. Jawad Khan, CEO, PSDF said, “PSDF is keenly engaged in creating market access and linkages for its beneficiaries through the use of technology, especially for rural women, who find it difficult to identify, access and serve local and international markets. Through the Aangan platform, PSDF is confident that it will successfully overcome these challenges and contribute towards higher income generation opportunities for its beneficiaries.”

Mr. Danish Khan, CEO Kaarvan Crafts Foundation said, “The idea of Aangan is to unlock the potential of the Female Artisans living in far flung areas of Pakistan with Digital Market Linkages where they can sell directly to the customers without any intermediary. Now, that is a game changer when these artisans embrace technology as an opportunity and that is what we are doing through Aangan.’

Aangan in an all-inclusive initiative that provides rural women with multi-fold trainings; ranging from skill development and refinement, product enhancement and digital literacy trainings. It also provides them with access to smartphones, internet and an online marketplace (www.aanganpk.com) to register and sell their products directly to end consumers all across Pakistan with the aim to help expand the social and economic capacities of rural women – to contribute to the well-being of self, family and society.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd:
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.

About Kaarvan Crafts Foundation:

Crafts Foundation was established in 2004 and is incorporated as a Not-for-Profit company registered under Section 32 and licensed under Section 42 of Companies Ordinance, Pakistan. It’s a hub of innovation, passion and humility. Kaarvan believes that every woman has the right to earn a dignified livelihood. It provides life skills to Pakistani Rural Women in order to build their confidence to participate in local decision-making and carving connections with relevant urban markets. Kaarvan has developed a holistic practice of immersive grassroots operational fieldwork for the rural women to develop socially constructive attitudes and behaviors – Skills to craft a living as right to development, right to peace and right to healthful environment. Till date Kaarvan has mobilized, trained and empowered more than 24,000 rural women in 15 districts across Pakistan – expanding economic opportunities for them to earn their own income.

About PSDF – A Success Story of Public-Private Partnerships:

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is the largest skills development fund in Pakistan. PSDF was established in 2010 as a not-for-profit company set up under the Companies Ordinance 1984 by the Government of Punjab (GoPb) in collaboration with UK’s Department for International Development (DFID). PSDF also exclusively manages the skills training funding of the World Bank.

PSDF’s purpose is to shape the future and well-being of our poor and vulnerable youth by giving them access to skills training of the highest standard so they can find sustainable employment and income-generating opportunities in Pakistan and beyond.

PSDF started its operations in the 4 poorest districts of Punjab. Since 2016, The geographical remit has expanded to the entire 36 districts of Punjab. PSDF has trained almost 300,000 underprivileged youth across Punjab, which includes 180,000+ male and 110,000+ female graduates. These graduates have been trained in approximately 250 demand-driven and market relevant trades across 10 sectors.

PSDF has played a leadership role in creating a skills training market with 90% training partners in the private sector. With 400 training partners that deliver training on behalf of PSDF, out of which over 150 are businesses across the 10 sectors. PSDF has adopted an output-based funding mechanism where it funds contract-to-completion outputs as well as completion-to-income generation outcomes.

PSDF – Media Enquiries

Communications Team:
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF),
Contact: +92-42-35752408-10
E-mail: communications@psdf.org.pk

Follow PSDF on Social Media

Website: www.psdf.org.pk
LinkedIn: Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)
Facebook:/punjabskillsdevelopmentfund
Twitter: @PSDF_official
YouTube: /punjabskillsdevelopmentfund

18 Jul
Press Release

PAKISTAN MICROFINANCE INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED (PMIC) SIGNS MoU WITH PUNJAB SKILLS DEVELOPMENT FUND (PSDF)

PSDF AND PMIC TO PROMOTE MICROFINANCE AWARENESS AMONG PSDF TRAINEES AND ASSIST THEM IN SEEKING MICROFINANCE OPPORTUNITIES FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES.

Lahore, Pakistan –PMIC, a national-level apex institution for microfinance providers in the Pakistan, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PSDF with the aim to work together towards provision of skills and business development trainings for microfinance beneficiaries. PSDF is the largest skills development fund in Pakistan. The agreement was signed between Mr. Yasir Ashfaq, Chief Executive Officer, PMIC and Mr. Jawad Khan, Chief Executive Officer, PSDF in Lahore. The main objective of this agreement is to promote the microfinance awareness among the PSDF trainees and assist them in seeking the microfinance opportunities from different sources.

The two parties joined hands to provide Punjab’s youth a chance to grow their businesses by giving them the option to obtain customized microfinance products and services. Provision of such products will grant them access to affordable financial services to help finance sustainable income generating activities resulting in financial stability.

Mr. Yasir Ashfaq, CEO, PMIC said, “International learnings indicate that blending capacity building and microfinance results in increased socio-economic progress of individuals. Moreover, focus on women and youth is also evidenced to result in better progress of households towards sustainable livelihoods. The alliance between PMIC and PSDF will complement our respective roles and will provide us the opportunity to work together to benefit thousands of individuals across Punjab.”

Mr. Jawad Khan, CEO, PSDF said, “In the current economic environment, PSDF will heavily focus on creating self-employment opportunities for its graduates. The partnership with PMIC, offering customized microfinance products and services for PSDF graduates, will allow these graduates to explore business setting and growth opportunities that will not just provide them with financial independence, but also allow them to grow their businesses and hire more skilled workers.”

About PSDF – A Success Story of Public-Private Partnerships:

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is the largest skills development fund in Pakistan. PSDF was established in 2010 as a not-for-profit company set up under the Companies Ordinance 1984 by the Government of Punjab (GoPb) in collaboration with UK’s Department for International Development (DFID). PSDF also exclusively manages the skills training funding of the World Bank.

PSDF’s purpose is to shape the future and well-being of our poor and vulnerable youth by giving them access to skills training of the highest standard so they can find sustainable employment and income-generating opportunities in Pakistan and beyond.

PSDF started its operations in the 4 poorest districts of Punjab. Since 2016, The geographical remit has expanded to the entire 36 districts of Punjab. PSDF has trained almost 300,000 underprivileged youth across Punjab, which includes 180,000+ male and 110,000+ female graduates. These graduates have been trained in approximately 250 demand-driven and market relevant trades across 10 sectors.

PSDF has played a leadership role in creating a skills training market with 90% training partners in the private sector. With 400 training partners that deliver training on behalf of PSDF, out of which over 150 are businesses across the 10 sectors. PSDF has adopted an output-based funding mechanism where it funds contract-to-completion outputs as well as completion-to-income generation outcomes.

PSDF – Media Enquiries

Communications Team:
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF),
Contact: +92-42-35752408-10
E-mail: communications@psdf.org.pk

Follow PSDF on Social Media

Website: www.psdf.org.pk
LinkedIn: Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)
Facebook:/punjabskillsdevelopmentfund
Twitter: @PSDF_official
YouTube: /punjabskillsdevelopmentfund

About PMIC:
Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company Limited (PMIC) is registered as an Investment Finance Company under NBFCs regulations with Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). It is setup jointly by, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), Department for International Development (DFID) through Karandaaz Pakistan and the German Development Bank (KFW). PMIC currently has a loan portfolio of more than PKR 20 billion in 65 districts of the country, which comprises of 86% women borrowers and 55% of the portfolio is deployed in the rural areas. The purpose of the Organization is to improve financial inclusion, employment and wellbeing of the poor by providing wholesale financing to the microfinance service providers in the country.

11 Jul
Press Release

Launch of the First National Accelerator on Closing the Skills Gap in Pakistan

Launch of the First National Accelerator on Closing the Skills Gap in Pakistan

 

July 11, 2019, Islamabad: The Prime Minster met with the visiting President of the World Economic Forum, Mr Borge Brende, at the Prime Minister’s office. At the meeting, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of the National Accelerator on Closing the Skills Gap in Pakistan, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, with Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) serving as its national secretariat.

The World Economic Forum is the international organization for public-private cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. It is independent, impartial and not tied to any special interests. The Forum has established the Centre for New Economy and Society (CNES) to provide leaders with a platform to understand and act on emerging economic and social challenges. The Forum’s Centre for New Economy and Society has partnered with PSDF to work together on the future of education and work by setting up a National Accelerator on Closing the Skills Gap in Pakistan. The Accelerator will aim to increase the employability of the current workforce and increase work-readiness and critical skills in the future workforce.

The National Accelerator will be led and guided by a team of Co-Chairs from the public and private sectors. The Government will be represented by Mr. Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Minister of Education and Professional Training and Mr. Zulfiqar Bukhari, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. The Co-Chairs from the private sector include Ms. Shazia Syed, MD Unilever Pakistan, Mr. Mohammed Aurangzeb, President and CEO, Habib Bank Limited, Mr. Ghias Khan, CEO, Engro Corporation. PSDF CEO, Mr. Jawad Khan, will be the National Coordinator.

Focusing on the most strategic sectors in the economy, the Accelerator will also onboard the CEOs of 50 to 100 leading companies in Pakistan as well as academics, policy makers and technical experts from the education and skills development space. The Centre for New Economy and Society has already established 5 such Accelerators in Argentina, Oman, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and India, with 10 more Accelerators expected by 2020.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister shared his Government’s political and financial commitment to reform the skills development sectors in Pakistan and thanked the World Economic Forum for choosing Pakistan as a founding member of the Closing the Skills Gap National Accelerator initiative. Given its global reach, experience and expertise, the Prime Minister expressed his confidence that the Forum’s engagement will help provide new opportunities for Pakistan’s youth and help them develop new skills to fully embrace the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Mr. Borge Brende, President, World Economic Forum, said: “The launch of the National Accelerator on Closing the Skills Gap is an important milestone in our relationship with Pakistan and it is just the start. Many of Pakistan’s national priorities are the core focus of the Forum’s work. From climate change, water scarcity and connectivity to regional cooperation, the Forum is ready to offer its platform to support Pakistan’s economic transformation.”

Ms. Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director and Head of the Forum’s Centre for New Economy and Society, said: “The Fourth Industrial Revolution will lead to significant change in the employment and skills landscape globally over the coming years – and Pakistan is no exception. Through our Accelerator initiative we look forward to supporting Pakistan with an integrated platform for learning and action to proactively manage this change.”

Mr. Jawad Khan CEO, PSDF, said: “we are truly honoured to be chosen as the national secretariat for the National Accelerator in Pakistan. PSDF is already doing pioneering work in the skills development space to create income generation opportunities for the poor and vulnerable youth. The partnership with the Forum’s CNES will help it benefit from the Forum’s global experience, reach, as well as from the experience of other global accelerators.”

Urdu Preview: Click Here

About PSDF – A Success Story of Public-Private Partnerships:

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is the largest skills development fund in Pakistan. PSDF was established in 2010 as a not-for-profit company set up under the Companies Ordinance 1984 by the Government of Punjab (GoPb) in collaboration with UK’s Department for International Development (DFID). PSDF also exclusively manages the skills training funding of the World Bank.

PSDF’s purpose is to shape the future and well-being of our poor and vulnerable youth by giving them access to skills training of the highest standard so they can find sustainable employment and income-generating opportunities in Pakistan and beyond.

PSDF started its operations in the 4 poorest districts of Punjab. Since 2016, The geographical remit has expanded to the entire 36 districts of Punjab. PSDF has trained almost 300,000 underprivileged youth across Punjab, which includes 180,000+ male and 110,000+ female graduates. These graduates have been trained in approximately 250 demand-driven and market relevant trades across 10 sectors.

PSDF has played a leadership role in creating a skills training market with 90% training partners in the private sector. With 400 training partners that deliver training on behalf of PSDF, out of which over 150 are businesses across the 10 sectors. PSDF has adopted an output-based funding mechanism where it funds contract-to-completion outputs as well as completion-to-income generation outcomes.

 

PSDF – Media Enquiries

Communications Team:
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF),
Contact: +92-42-35752408-10
E-mail: communications@psdf.org.pk

Follow PSDF on Social Media

Website: www.psdf.org.pk
LinkedIn: Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)
Facebook:/punjabskillsdevelopmentfund
Twitter: @PSDF_official
YouTube: /punjabskillsdevelopmentfund

11 Mar
Press Release

Atlantis, The Palm signs MoU with Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)

PSDF WILL TRAIN THE WORKFORCE ACROSS LEADING HOSPITALITY SEGMENTS, WHILST ATLANTIS, THE PALM WILL EMPLOY THEM IN VARIOUS ROLES ACROSS THE RESORT

Lahore, Pakistan – Dubai’s leading entertainment resort Atlantis, The Palm has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) with the aim of hiring and training staff from Punjab, Pakistan. The agreement was signed between Mr. Timothy Kelly, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Atlantis The Palm and The Royal Atlantis and Mr. Jawad Khan, Chief Executive Officer PSDF at the Atlantis, The Palm.

The two parties are committed to creating a prosperous partnership to give workers from Punjab the chance to grow their careers within one of Gulf’s most iconic resorts. In accordance with the agreement, PSDF will train the workforce across leading hospitality segments, while Atlantis will employ them in various roles across the resort. The move will create a range of exciting job opportunities for workers from Punjab while Atlantis will benefit from a workforce of talented and dedicated staff.

Mr. Timothy Kelly, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Atlantis The Palm and The Royal Atlantis said, “It is a pleasure to sign this MoU, which is in line with the Year of Tolerance. As one of the leading entertainment resorts in the world, Atlantis, The Palm has always been at the forefront, employing people from different nationalities, which serves as a strong pillar for our successful operations. We are confident that this new agreement will strengthen ties and broaden cooperation between the UAE and Pakistan,”

Mr. Jawad Khan, CEO PSDF said, “Atlantis, The Palm, is the biggest brand in the luxury resort business and it is indeed a great opportunity for professionals from the hospitality industry to work at the resort. We are very excited to train a skilled workforce and remain confident that Atlantis, The Palm will find them to be amongst the best trained.”

Urdu Preview: Click Here

About PSDF:
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is a section 42 not-for- profit company established in 2010 under the Companies Ordinance 1984 by the Government of the Punjab in partnership with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID, UK). The World Bank is also providing funds to the Punjab Government for the trainings to be funded by PSDF. PSDF aims to provide quality skills and vocational training opportunities to the poor and vulnerable populations of all the 36 districts of Punjab in order to improve livelihood prospects for them. Since its establishment in 2011, PSDF has trained more than 227,000 youth in over 200 trades by engaging 250+ private & public sector training providers. Over the next 5 years, we are on a mission to train over 400,000 youth across Punjab that will be employed in Pakistan and abroad.

Communications Team
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)
Contact: +92-42-35752408-10
E-mail: communications@psdf.org.pk

14 Nov
Press Release

Capturing Skilled Jobs for Pakistanis in Gulf Countries

October 18, 2018 – Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) organized an International Conference on ‘Employment Opportunities for skilled Pakistanis in the Gulf’ at a local hotel in Lahore. Mr Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Education Minister of Education and Professional Training delivered the Keynote Address via audio link. Mr. Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht, Minister for Finance – Punjab was the Chief Guest at the event and Mr. Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra, Minister for Finance – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also participated in the Conference via video link.

From left to right: Mr. Jawad Khan – CEO, PSDF; Dr. Ali Cheema – Associate Professor of Economics and Political Science, LUMS; Mr. Mohammed Ali Khan – Senior Education Specialist, International Finance Corporation; Mr. Dirk Schmautzer – Partner and Co-Head of Global Education Practice, McKinsey & Company; Mr. Makhdum Hashim Bakht – Minister for Finance, Punjab; Ms. Zahra Khan – Global Head of Partnerships, Generation You Employed; Ms. Fatimah Afzal – Private Sector Development Advisor, DFID (UK AID); Dr. Tahir Andrabi, Dean, School of Education. LUMS

In 2017, the foreign remittances received in Pakistan accounted to USD 20 billion, and 60% of this came from the Gulf countries. However, given the shift in employer demands, labour indigenization efforts and increased competition from countries like the Philippines, Sri Lanka and India, the employment landscape in the Gulf countries is already undergoing a significant shift.

The PSDF Conference was based on a detailed study that was commissioned by the organization to understand the changing employment landscape in the Gulf countries by identifying the skills gaps and skills readjustment, required by Pakistani talent to retain and capture a larger share of the job market in the Gulf.

The Conference included panel discussions which were attended by leaders of the local business industry, government officials, academia and international speakers from the US and UK. The power-packed panels discussed and debated the future of skills in the era of the 4th industrial revolution, the high potential industries and sectors in the Gulf countries and the importance of soft skills training in addition to technical training in capturing higher paid jobs. The Conference also touched upon the role of overseas employment operators (OEPs) and the Government agencies in bridging the gap between employer needs and employee training programs. The detailed report published by PSDF is made available on its official website in downloadable format for the general public.

In his address to the Conference participants, Mr. Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, stated that the governance, standards and quality assurance of the TVET across Pakistan need to be upgraded and a Task Force has been constituted to make concrete recommendations. Mr. Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht, Minister for Finance – Punjab appreciated the efforts of PSDF saying “the Conference has touched upon a very important issue that requires immediate attention and the Government looks forward to working on the recommendations derived from the Conference”. He also added that this initiative is line with the Government’s focus on ensuring overseas Pakistani workers’ welfare.

Mr. Jawad Khan, CEO, PSDF highlighted that “PSDF has adopted a results-based funding mechanism and is actively managing the entire skills value chain to train and employ skilled Pakistani youth in the Gulf”. With its aim to provide quality skills and vocational training opportunities to the poor and vulnerable people of Punjab, PSDF is geared up to work with all relevant stakeholders in the public and private sector to help Pakistanis capitalize on the vast ocean of opportunities available to our workers in the Gulf.

Urdu Preview: Click Here

About PSDF:
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is a section 42 not-for- profit company established in 2010 under the Companies Ordinance 1984 by the Government of the Punjab in partnership with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID, UK). The World Bank is also providing funds to the Punjab Government for the trainings to be funded by PSDF. PSDF aims to provide quality skills and vocational training opportunities to the poor and vulnerable populations of all the 36 districts of Punjab in order to improve livelihood prospects for them. Since its establishment in 2011, PSDF has trained more than 227,000 youth in over 200 trades by engaging 250+ private & public sector training providers. Over the next 5 years, we are on a mission to train over 400,000 youth across Punjab that will be employed in Pakistan and abroad.

Communications Team
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)
Contact: +92-42-35752408-10
E-mail: communications@psdf.org.pk

10 Nov
Press Release

Empowering Lives: PSDF launches its first dedicated Program for Urban Females

September, 2017 (Lahore): Continuing with its effort to introduce customised programs to boost employment opportunities for women, Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) recently launched its first dedicated Program for women residing in urban areas across selected districts of Punjab.

To kick-off the Program activities, PSDF hosted a contract signing ceremony on Wednesday, September 06, 2017; to formalize its relationship with the twenty-two qualifying Training Service Providers (TSPs). The Program is titled, “Women Focused Employment Driven Training”.

In the Picture: CEO PSDF, Mr. Jawad Khan and Minister for Industries, Commerce & Investment, Mr. Sheikh Alauddin, with the qualifying training service providers and PSDF team.

The Minister for Industries, Commerce & Investment, Mr. Sheikh Alauddin who was present at the ceremony as Chief Guest, said: “I feel proud to chair this ceremony because PSDF has taken an initiative to not just train our poor and vulnerable sisters and daughters in technical and vocational skills but also link them with sustainable employment opportunities. A lot of programs designed for women in urban areas stop at training only without formalizing the employment outcomes.”

While addressing the TSPs, he further added: “I want to congratulate all the participating training providers who have made a commitment to employ the successful trainees under this Program. The TSPs must not consider this as a training contract but take pride in the fact that you are making a direct contribution to the national cause.”

The specific objective of the program is to train women in skills for different sectors of the economy (including Service, Education, Textile, Health, Hospitality, Information & Communication, Leather and Sports) for increasing their access to jobs and enhancing income earning opportunities. Total enrolment target of women under the scheme for a year is over 10,000. Women of age 18 years & above and belonging to any district of Punjab will be able to participate in this program. Trainees will be provided with a monthly stipend of Rs.1500 along with uniforms & bags. Classes under the program will commence from October 2017 and continue till September 2018.
While speaking at the occasion, CEO PSDF, Mr. Jawad Khan said: “PSDF continuously pushes for high quality trainings and rewards quality training providers with a competitive return on investment. With the launch of this program, we hope to position PSDF as financier of quality employment driven training programs, with special focus on engaging more women and mainstreaming them into sustainable employment opportunities.”

About PSDF:
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is a section 42 not-for-profit company established in 2010 under the Companies Ordinance 1984 by the Government of the Punjab in partnership with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID, UK). The World Bank is also providing funds to the Punjab Government for the trainings to be funded by PSDF. PSDF aims to provide quality skills and vocational training opportunities to the poor and vulnerable populations of all the 36 districts of Punjab in order to improve livelihood prospects for them. Since its establishment in 2011, PSDF has trained 200,000 youth in over 200 trades and it works with over 250 private & public sector training providers. Over the next 5 years, we will be training over 400,000 youth across Punjab that will be employed in Pakistan and abroad.

Communications Team
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)
Contact: +92-42-35752408-10
E-mail: communications@psdf.org.pk

10 Nov
Press Release

Punjab Skills Development Fund and Generation launch partnership to bring successful global demand-driven employment program to Pakistan

The new effort will connect unemployed and underemployed
young adults with training and jobs starting later this year

Feb 2018 (Washington DC, USA): Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) and Generation have joined forces to address the challenges facing young people who are seeking to connect with the job market. Together, the two leading organizations will bring a proven, innovative model—the Generation program—to Pakistan.

The partnership would launch a joint program in Lahore, expanding to additional locations in the future, to reach 2,500 young adults with the Generation program during the pilot phase. The organizations are currently evaluating the sectors and professions to target, including garments industry, healthcare, financial services, customer service, and digital jobs. The new program will seek to partner with local and national employers in the target sectors to identify job vacancies and deliver great talent.

“PSDF has developed a strong reputation for delivering skills programs guided by evidence on what works. We are now partnering with Generation, a world-renowned nonprofit, to incorporate proven international experience into our training programs to raise the productivity of firms across Punjab,” said Dr. Ijaz Nabi, Chairman PSDF.

“Generation is successfully delivering skilled graduates for employers in countries across four continents. PSDF is delivering innovative solutions to maximize income generation results for its graduates. It is this shared purpose and mindset of our two organizations that brings us together. PSDF brings Generation to Pakistan. This partnership will ensure that PSDF-funded programs and its graduates benefit from the globally proven methodology and tools used by Generation around the world,” said Jawad Khan, CEO PSDF

From left to right: Dr. Mona Mourshed, President and CEO of Generation, Dr. Ijaz Nabi, Chairman PSDF and Mr. Jawad Khan, CEO PSDF at the contract signing ceremony.

“This is an exciting start to the year for Generation, expanding from our original five countries into new geographies,” said Mona Mourshed, President and CEO of Generation. “We’re honored to be working with an organization as respected and innovative as PSDF to bring Generation’s proven approach to Pakistan for the first time.”

Generation is a demand-driven employment program that recruits, trains, and places young people in jobs. Working closely with employers, Generation has established programs across 20 professions and four sectors. The participants of the new program in Pakistan will join more than 17,000 existing graduates across five countries—India, Kenya, Mexico, Spain and the United States. Of those graduates, 83% of them have jobs within three months of graduation and more than 70% remain employed a year later. On average, graduates make two to six times the income after Generation than they did before, and collectively Generation’s graduates have earned more than US$55 million in salaries.

Participants in the Generation program complete an intensive 4 to 12-week “bootcamp-style” training that integrates technical skills along with behavioral and mindset skills, helping students overcome both workplace and personal challenges. After successfully completing the program, students are guaranteed job interviews with employer partners. Employers see a return on their investment, with 98% percent of hiring employers say that they would hire a Generation graduate again and 88% saying that Generation graduates outperform their peers.

The new program in Lahore will launch officially in the second quarter of the year. For now, interested partners or employers can learn more by contacting info@generation.org.

Urdu Preview: Click Here

About PSDF:

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is a section 42 not-for-profit company established in 2010 under the Companies Ordinance 1984 by the Government of the Punjab in partnership with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID, UK). The World Bank is also providing funds to the Punjab Government for the trainings to be funded by PSDF. PSDF aims to provide quality skills and vocational training opportunities to the poor and vulnerable populations of all the 36 districts of Punjab in order to improve livelihood prospects for them. Since its establishment in 2011, PSDF has trained 250,000 youth in over 200 trades and it works with over 250 private & public sector training providers. Over the next 5 years, it will be training over 400,000 youth across Punjab that will be employed in Pakistan and abroad.

Communications Team
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)
Contact: +92-42-35752408-10
E-mail: communications@psdf.org.pk

About Generation:

Today, more than 75 million young adults are out of work globally, and three times as many are underemployed. At the same time, 40 percent of employers say a skills shortage is leaving them with entry-level vacancies. Generation is a youth employment nonprofit with a dual mission to empower young people to build thriving, sustainable careers and to provide employers the highly skilled, motivated talent they need. The first active programs have been in India, Kenya, Mexico, Spain, and the US, and Generation is launching in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Pakistan to start 2018. The organization was founded by McKinsey & Company in 2014.

Communications Team
E-mail: media@generation.org

10 Nov
Press Release

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) launches Skills Activation Campaign in Punjab

Lahore, November 21, 2017: To introduce the youth of Punjab to technical & vocational skills education and opportunities, Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has successfully launched phase one of a Skills Activation Campaign (pilot-run) in collaboration with the School Education Department (SED), with focus on the Higher Secondary Schools.

The launch ceremony for the campaign was held at Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GGHSS) Allama Iqbal Town (Umar Block), Lahore. The Minister for Education, Mr. Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan inaugurated the campaign as the Chief Guest, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

While addressing at the ceremony, Mr. Rana Mashhood said, “Successful nations pay great attention and importance to technical & vocational skills education. The Chief Minister of Punjab, Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif is also passionate about creating opportunities for our youth to attain quality education as well as technical & vocational skills. I congratulate PSDF for taking the Chief Minister’s vision and mission forward.”

During the pilot phase, this campaign will be launched in five districts of Punjab; including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Rawalpindi, and Multan, and will cover 50 higher secondary schools. The objective of the campaign is to introduce the benefits of technical & vocational training and linkages to promising formal and self-employment opportunities at the right time. This campaign for Skills Activation is the first step towards sensitising our youth about the benefits of vocational training.

While sharing his thoughts with the students, Mr. Jawad Khan, CEO PSDF said: “PSDF will not just provide you with training opportunities, we also promise to help you secure suitable employment or self-employment opportunities. PSDF is here to facilitate you on this journey but the onus is on you now to choose the best path for yourself, because your skill is your power.”

By conducting the same activity in 50 schools across the selected districts of Punjab, PSDF hopes to motivate more students to sign up for technical & vocational education and pursue sustainable income generation opportunities.
Through this collaboration, SED and PSDF also hope to contribute to the skills development sector by developing a vocational curriculum and Training Learning Resources (TLRs), introducing soft skills modules and Teachers Training, and sponsor results-oriented research to improve TVET outcomes in schools.

For Urdu Preview

About PSDF:
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is a section 42 not-for- profit company established in 2010 under the Companies Ordinance 1984 by the Government of the Punjab in partnership with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID, UK). The World Bank is also providing funds to the Punjab Government for the trainings to be funded by PSDF. PSDF aims to provide quality skills and vocational training opportunities to the poor and vulnerable populations of all the 36 districts of Punjab in order to improve livelihood prospects for them. Since its establishment in 2011, PSDF has trained more than 227,000 youth in over 200 trades by engaging 250+ private & public sector training providers. Over the next 5 years, we are on a mission to train over 400,000 youth across Punjab that will be employed in Pakistan and abroad.

Communications Team
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)
Contact: +92-42-35752408-10
E-mail: communications@psdf.org.pk

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