Accelerated Skills Development Program for Merged Areas
The Accelerated Skills Development Program for Merged Areas is a transformative initiative designed to empower the youth of the Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) through modern, demand-driven skill development. With approximately 2.2 million youth aged 18 to 35 in these regions, the need for practical, market-aligned training has never been more urgent.
Our Vision
To create a skilled, self-reliant, and economically vibrant youth population in the Merged Areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by providing quality skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Our Mission
To equip youth with modern, saleable skills and promote local economic growth through demand-oriented training, entrepreneurship, and public-private partnerships—reducing poverty and preventing outward migration.
Project Ownership & Execution
- Sponsoring Agency: Special Development Unit, Planning & Development Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under the Accelerated Implementation Plan (AIP)
- Executing Agency: Industries, Commerce & Technical Education Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Operation & Maintenance: Project Management Unit (PMU), Industries, Commerce & Technical Education Department
- Budget: Rs. 700 million reflected in ADP 2024–25 (R status) at S.No. 725/200068
What We Do
We provide modern vocational training through outsourcing to public and private sector institutions, focusing on seven high-demand economic sectors:
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Heavy Machinery Operations
- Construction & Power Crushing
- Gems & Gemology
- Solar Technology
- Entrepreneurship
- Services
Key Objectives
- Train 2,780 youth in demand-oriented trades.
- Promote self-employment and entrepreneurship.
- Connect trainees with financial institutions like Akhuwat, Ehsaas Hunar, Bank of Khyber, and UNDP.
- Offer internships to bridge the gap between training and the labor market.
- Foster corporate culture, reduce poverty, and enhance private sector employment opportunities.
Sustainable Impact
The project contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
- Goal 4 – Quality Education
- Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Our Promise
By utilizing existing training infrastructure and forging strong institutional partnerships, we ensure cost-effective implementation with maximum impact. Our goal is to foster a generation of skilled, confident, and employed youth who contribute meaningfully to the local and global economy.