Impact of Vocational Training on Economic Empowerment of Youth in Rural Areas of Punjab

The current study was conducted to evaluate the role of Punjab Vocational Council in promoting empowerment of youth in rural areas of District Bhakkar. It was a case study of vocational training institutes working under Punjab Vocational Training Council (PVTC). Out of 06 vocational training institutes of District Bhakkar, 03 institutes were selected as sample, 180 pass-out trainees were selected from these institutions by using stratified random sampling method. It was a quantitative research, hence survey method was used to gather information from the respondents. Study findings clearly demonstrated that vocational training plays a vital role in improving economic status of youth and has not only increased their income, but has also increased their food, education and health expenditures as well. Study indicated that majority of respondents were involved in income generating activities and were able to add in their monthly family income. Chi-square tests confirmed that vocational training had a significant impact in enhancing economic conditions of youth in rural areas.