From Access to Employability: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Hybrid Technical Education and Student Placement Outcomes in Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan is among the worst hit countries in the world with more than 26 million children out of school, which is the biggest impediment to human capital development and economic growth. To address this, alternative education models, such as hybrid and accelerated technical education, have been developed to fill the gap between education and the job market. In this study, a mixed method approach is followed to determine the effectiveness of such models, the Middle Tech Program of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) (in collaboration with The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)) is taken as a case study. The qualitative part of the study is conducted based on a case study approach, which is guided by the Kirkpatrick Model and the Constructivist Learning Theory with the application of semi-structured interviews, observation and document analysis on 29 different stakeholders. To complement this, the quantitative part involves studying a large data set to find the necessary variables that could predict employability such as CGPA, coding ability, internship and project experience in MATLAB. The findings also reveal that there are systemic problems of implementation, such as the lack of teachers' training, the weakness of digital infrastructure, the delay of learning materials, and the gap between the skills taught in the vocational education system and the skills needed by the labour market. The quantitative findings confirm the academic and technical and practical experiences as good predictors of employability. Qualitative and quantitative results show that hybrid education can make a positive contribution to access and engagement of learners, but needs structural changes, more industry involvement and more skill-oriented education to improve employability. The study concludes with policy, institutional and research recommendations to improve the Hybrid education systems in Pakistan.