Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is a critical pillar of economic growth, significantly contributing to reducing unemployment, alleviating poverty, and enhancing human resource development. Compared to regional countries, Pakistan has also made notable progress in its TVET sector, particularly through government funded projects and donor-funded initiatives to implementthe National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF) through National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), being the custodian of the framework. In the global perspective Azerbaijan also aims for economic diversification and industrialization through TVET tier. However, it can draw valuable lessons from Pakistan’s experience to develop a strong TVET system aligned with global benchmarks and fully integrated into its social safety net.
Despite challenges, Pakistan’s TVET sector has grown significantly through government initiatives and international collaborations. Skilled manpower is in high demand globally due to its proficiency in market-driven skills. Key contributors include support from donors like the World Bank, ADB, and GIZ, as well as programs like PSDF, which have trained thousands for sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship. The NVQF has enhanced skill recognition and employability, while business incubation centers and private-sector partnerships have aligned training with market needs. However, issues like outdated infrastructure and limited teacher training persist, requiring a focused and committed approach for further progress.
Like Pakistan, Azerbaijan is undergoing TVET reforms to achieve its economic transformation goals. While the government acknowledges the importance of vocational training, the sector faces several challenges. The current curriculum requires modernization to align with international standards and industry needs under new emerging trends to equip its youth under Competency Based Training (CBT) mode. Limited engagement between vocational training institutions and private enterprises have resulted in a mismatch between skills and market demands which eventually will mismatch the industry and academia need. Furthermore, it is also viewed that Azerbaijan somehow lacks a fully developed NVQF-like system, leading to inconsistencies in skill certification and recognition. Hence, low-income populations, particularly in rural areas, have limited access to quality vocational training, restricting their socio-economic mobility.
Like Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training in Pakistan, the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Cabinet of Ministers in Azerbaijan are the primary governing bodies overseeing its education system, including TVET. The MoE is responsible for establishing, restructuring, and closing TVET institutions, approving qualification lists, setting educational regulations, and managing budget proposals for the sector. It also defines state standards for education funding and oversees scholarship and salary payments. While the MoE, in collaboration with local administrations, manages the TVET system, its dedicated TVET department is relatively small and has limited capacity for implementing substantial reforms. Strengthening the institutional framework and increasing the department’s capabilities will be essential for Azerbaijan to achieve its TVET modernization goals.
TVET plays a crucial role in social safety nets by equipping vulnerable populations with employable skills, reducing reliance on state assistance, and promoting financial inclusion. Azerbaijan can learn from Pakistan’s approach by integrating skill-based training into social welfare programs targeting youth and low-income groups. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) strategy can formalize skills acquired informally, providing certifications that improve employment prospects for marginalized workers. Special programs are required to be introduced to equip women and youth with vocational skills, ensuring their active participation in the labor market. Additionally, Azerbaijan can enhance collaboration with businesses to expand apprenticeships and on-the-job training opportunities, minimizing skill mismatches and improving employment rates.
Azerbaijan’s TVET sector is crucial for economic diversification and workforce development, with Pakistan’s NVQF and social safety net programs providing valuable insights. Azerbaijan, with a population of approximately 10.38 million and a steadily growing GDP of $75.65 billion in 2024-25, has an economy primarily driven by services (42.52%) and industry (41.38%), while agriculture contributes 6.93%. Despite improvements in inflation (2.1%) and unemployment (5.4%), challenges such as a 4.9% poverty rate and a high corruption index persist. Strengthening TVET can address skill gaps, enhance employment opportunities, and support disadvantaged groups through targeted vocational programs, industry collaboration, and public-private partnerships. By adopting Pakistan’s NVQF model, Azerbaijan can standardize skill recognition, improve labor market integration, and foster entrepreneurship, ensuring long-term economic resilience.
While Pakistan and Azerbaijan both seek to strengthen their TVET sectors, they face distinct yet interconnected challenges. Effective policy measures must address these issues. Donor-funded initiatives in Pakistan have demonstrated short-term success, but long-term sustainability requires dedicated domestic investment. Azerbaijan must ensure its TVET reforms are backed by sustainable funding models. Both countries need stronger pathways for TVET graduates to transition into higher education or advanced technical programs. Establishing a robust national qualification framework will be crucial for Azerbaijan to standardize skill certification and enhance international recognition. Furthermore, integrating digital and technological training into vocational education will future-proof Azerbaijan’s workforce, making it more adaptable to the evolving job market.
Pakistan’s experience in TVET reform offers valuable lessons for Azerbaijan as it seeks to modernize its vocational education system. By implementing NVQF, strengthening industry collaboration, and incorporating TVET into social safety net programs, Azerbaijan can significantly enhance workforce employability and economic resilience. A structured approach that integrates vocational training with social assistance initiatives will ensure inclusive growth, reduce poverty, and contribute to long-term national prosperity. Strategic reforms and sustained investment in TVET can transform Azerbaijan’s labor market, positioning it as a competitive player in the global economy.
Investing in TVET is essential for Azerbaijan’s economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. Learning from Pakistan’s experience with the NVQF and social safety net integration can help Azerbaijan bridge skill gaps, align training with market needs, and enhance employability. Strengthening TVET requires modernizing curricula replacing the traditional with demand driven, increasing industry collaboration under Triple Helix and Quadruple Helix model, and improving institutional capacity, particularly within the Ministry of Education. By integrating vocational training into social welfare programs, fostering entrepreneurship, and ensuring sustainable reforms, Azerbaijan can build a resilient workforce, drive economic diversification, and create greater opportunities for its people with significant success ratio. Learning lessons from global economies is the exigency of time.
