Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a progressive initiative aimed at formally acknowledging and certifying the vocational skills of individuals who have acquired expertise through non-formal and traditional learning systems. A key focus of this initiative is the large number of youth trained under the traditional apprenticeship model known as the Ustad-Shagird system—an informal yet deeply entrenched method of skill transmission that has shaped generations of workers in various trades and crafts across the country.

The primary objective of the RPL program is to enhance the employability, credibility, and professional growth of these individuals by officially recognizing the skills they have developed outside the formal education system. Through a structured assessment and certification mechanism, the initiative enables skilled workers from the informal sector to gain formal credentials, thereby improving their access to better job opportunities and career advancement.

This important work is being carried out under the leadership of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), which has established a network of assessment centers across the country to ensure standardized and transparent skill evaluations. A substantial number of youth have already undergone assessments and received formal certification, allowing them to transition more easily into the formal labor market.

Notably, Memon Industrial & Technical Institute (MITI) has been recognized as one of the authorized centers conducting these skill assessments under the RPL framework. As a reputable institution committed to vocational excellence, MITI plays a vital role in facilitating the testing process, ensuring quality standards, and supporting youth in achieving nationally recognized certifications for their practical competencies.

Furthermore, under the umbrella of the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Program, a large number of additional candidates have benefited from this initiative, further advancing the government’s vision of equipping the nation’s youth with market-relevant skills. Collectively, these efforts represent a significant step toward building a more inclusive, skilled, and resilient workforce aligned with national economic priorities.