By Engr. Zahid Arif
Nation progress revolves around the engineering profession. All developed countries have grown because they have properly utilized this strength. Engineer’s input is almost everywhere starting from infrastructure, Health equipment’s, Hospital’s, Heavy-light industry, Information technology including artificial intelligence and so on. Wherever you go you will witness Engineering hand all around. In Pakistan, engineers are at the forefront of these advancements, yet they face challenges that limit their career prospects, financial stability, job opportunities and genuine recognition.
Pakistan Engineering Council, established under the Act of Parliament in 1976,serves as the regulatory authority for engineering education, professional licensing, and industry standards. However, time demands that it should assume role beyond regulation—it has the potential to be a driving force for the betterment of engineers and the engineering profession in Pakistan. As it is uniquely positioned to address these challenges. By adopting a multifaceted approach, it can play a transformative role in reducing unemployment among young engineers, ensuring timely promotions for mid-career professionals, and enhancing the respect and global recognition of engineers.
PEC Role for providing job opportunities
Unemployment Among Young Engineers is currently the major challenge faced by PEC. The rapid expansion of engineering universities in Pakistan has resulted in an increasing number of graduates entering the job market each year. However, the job creation rate in the engineering sector has not kept pace due to financial instability of our country, leading to unemployment and under-employment. Many young engineers are jobless or find themselves working in irrelevant fields, or even worse with absolutely no job opportunity. The present financial condition ofPakistan is also not conducive to enhance development activities which can create jobs in the Country. In such a scenario PEC role become more relevant and important. It’s Think Tank must ensure that this professional energy is converted into positive strength by giving it a proper pathway. PEC must hold their hands and lead them to the relevant area where from they can grow and contribute to their families and country.
- PEC needs to aligning engineering education with Industrial needs as the key reasons for unemployment among engineers is the disconnect between academic training and industry requirements. PEC can bridge this gap by way of curriculum development. It can play its mandated role of Collaborating with universities to design curricula that aligns with current and emerging market/industry trends, updating their knowledge with latest technology development in major engineering disciplines including renewable energy, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, latest infrastructure development techniques etc.
- PEC needs to ensure and encourage Academic institutions so that all engineering programs include mandatory internships or industrial training, equipping students with practical skills and experience before graduation so that they are willingly absorbed by the relevant industry.
- Introducing specialized training programs to address skills gaps in fields like presentation, software development, project management, and sustainable Engineering.
- PEC can serve as a bridge between employers and job-seeking engineers by Launching a National Job Portal. Developing an online platform where engineering graduates can connect with employers, access job postings, and receive career guidance.
- PEC should Organize Job Fairs by Hosting annual or biannual job fairs that bring together engineering companies, government departments, and young professionals
- Mentorship Programs may be organized by Pairing recent graduates with experienced engineers who can provide career advice, technical guidance, and networking opportunities.
- Encouraging engineers to become entrepreneurs, this will not only address unemployment but also drive innovation and economic growth by offeringseed money and grants aspartner with government bodies and private organizations to provide financial support to engineering startups.
- PEC should establish Innovation Hubs by Creating incubation centers in newly constructed buildings at Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and under construction building at Islamabad. where young engineers can develop their ideas into viable businesses with access to resources, mentorship, and market exposure.
Organize innovation competitions to identify and reward promising ideas in fields like clean energy, robotics, and smart infrastructure.
World markets offers significant potential for employment to young Engineers in particular and mid-career Engineers in general, PEC can help engineers tap these opportunities by ensuringcontinuous Collaboration with International bodies like the Washington Accord,IPEA, FIAP etc. to secure global recognition for Pakistani engineering degrees.
- To ensure that HEIs are Providing Certification Programs which align with international standards, making Pakistani engineers more competitive globally.
PEC needs to engage with embassies and international engineering councils to create pathways for engineers to work abroad.
Role of PEC for Mid-Career Engineers
PEC should rigorously work with its connections with parliamentarian to secure passage of Bill in National Assembly which has already been passed by Senate for separate Engineering Cadre. This will provide a legal way of job security and in time promotion. PECcan advocate for the adoption of standardized career progression frameworks in both public and private sectors. Which should include clear promotion Criteria defining benchmarks for promotions based on qualifications, performance, and professional development rather than solely on tenure basis.Introducing competency-based evaluation systems that reward engineers for their skills, knowledge, and contributions.
Focuson Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
CPD programs are not only crucial for mid-career engineers looking to advance their careers but also for young unemployed Engineers. PEC can enhance its CPD program by:
- Expanding Training Opportunities by Offering a wider range of workshops, courses, and certifications in leadership, management, and emerging technologies.
- Digital Learning Platforms through online learning portal should be properly programmed to benefit engineers of all disciplines to have accesses to latest research and developments in the world and is so convenient that engineers can access these CPD programs easily.
- Mandatory CPD for Promotions by way of encouraging organizations to make CPD participation a prerequisite for promotions.
PEC role for rights of Engineer
PEC can play a vital role in ensuring that engineers receive fair treatment and opportunities through negotiation with Employers advocating for policies that ensure fair wages, benefits, and career growth opportunities for engineers.
- Addressing Discrimination in working to eliminate biases and ensure equal opportunities for engineers of all backgrounds, including women and minority groups.
- Creating a Grievance Mechanism byestablishing a platform within PEC where engineers can report workplace issues and seek its remedy.
Role in enhancing Respect and Recognition of Engineers’
To improve the societal perception of engineers, PEC can launch public campaigns highlighting their contributions to national development. These campaigns can focus on:
- Showcasing Success Stories by Sharing inspiring stories of Pakistani engineers who have made significant contributions in fields like infrastructure, technology, and innovation.
- Highlighting National Projects by emphasizing the role of engineers in iconic projects like dams, highways, IT, Agriculture Industry etc.
Engineers for Engineering Job
The main issue of our Country is that no one prefers to do what he is supposed to do or for which he has competence and qualifications. Similarly, Engineers are not engaged on all engineering slots instead these are filled with non-technicaljournalists who have no idea how to guide the organization where he is perform his duties on path of success. Resultantly we are nowhere in the list of developed states of the world despite countries getting freedom much after us are progressing and even donating to poor Nations of the Globe.
PEC must play its role as per its Act to ensure that no Engineering position is occupied by a non-Engineer in the country. This slogan must be converted to reality. If PEC can achieve this, we will surly witness a different nation which progress with pride and dignity.
Continuity of National Honors and Awards
Recognizing excellence within the engineering profession can elevate its status. PEC since 2017 has initiated recognition of Engineers who have performed beyond the scope of their duty and have significantly contributed to the profession for innovation, leadership and social impact in engineering. With exception of 2018 and 2019 this PEC National Excellence Award has been a regular feature which should continue. This will not only motivate high performing Engineers but will also bring a healthy competition among inspiring Engineers to perform even better to be entitle for such Award.
Enhancing Policy Advocacy
PEC should focus on its very crucial mandate of acting as think Tank and advice Government on prioritization of steps of leader which can transform this developing country to a developed Nation. Once proper direction is set by our political leadership our youth wouldn’t go aboard for seeking job but return back with their foreign friends and contribute in the development of ourNation. A country full of Natural resources and variety of season with more than sixty percent of its population of youth full of energy and brain can surely excel.
The Pakistan Engineering Council has a pivotal role to play in transforming the engineering profession in Pakistan. By addressing unemployment, creating pathways for career advancement, and enhancing the respect and recognition of engineers, PEC can ensure that the profession thrives. These efforts will not only benefit individual engineers but also contribute to Pakistan’s socioeconomic development and global standing.Through strategic initiatives, strong partnerships, and a commitment to excellence, PEC can lead the way in making engineering a respected, rewarding, and globally competitive profession in Pakistan. It is time for PEC to step into its full potential as a catalyst for change in the engineering sector, paving the way for a brighter future for engineers and the nation alike.
Engr. Zahid Arif is the former Secretary communication & Works and Housing and has served PEC as Vice Chairman of the council twice.
More articles by Engr. Zahid Arif
Lifelong Learning: The Path to Continuous Growth
https://engineeringreview.com.pk/lifelong-learning-the-path-to-continuous-growth/
