Ignite, the training and capacity-building arm of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, has launched a major initiative to upskill 2,000 young IT graduates through its new Code4AI-North Region Program. The scheme aims to deliver short, intensive, and hands-on training in high-demand programming languages to ensure participants gain the practical, job-ready skills required in today’s technology market.
The program focuses on expanding Pakistan’s talent pool in cutting-edge technologies by prioritizing three in-demand skill areas: Python, jаvascript Fullstack, and Java paired with Angular or React. These languages are closely aligned with the needs of emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain—sectors expected to define the future of global tech employment.
Training will be held across major northern cities, including Islamabad, Peshawar, Abbottabad, and Rawalpindi. Ignite will select qualified companies to execute the program, with a preference for firms working in consortium with experienced local or international partners. The selected firms must follow the intensive, hands-on training model outlined in the RFP, ensuring participants receive a clear pathway to begin careers in software development.
The program is open to graduates or final-year students enrolled in computer science, software engineering, IT, ICT engineering, technology management, mathematics, statistics, and other related disciplines. By targeting students at this stage, Ignite aims to strengthen employability among fresh graduates.
Pakistan, with a population exceeding 240 million and nearly two-thirds under the age of 29, produces more than 40,000 IT graduates annually from over 230 institutions. However, only about 10 percent of the roughly 30,000 graduates entering the job market each year find employment in the IT sector, largely due to a skills gap between academic training and industry needs.
Through targeted, high-quality training in market-aligned programming languages, the Code4AI-North Region Program seeks to reduce this gap, boost employability, and prepare Pakistan’s youth to compete for opportunities in the global digital economy.
