KP Collaborates with Google to Offer Digital Skills Scholarships to Thousands

In a bid to foster digital literacy and economic growth, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB), under the guidance of Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, has announced a series of new initiatives. These projects aim to provide young people with digital skills, stimulate entrepreneurial ventures, and create job opportunities across the province.

Key Highlights:

Launch of Digital Internship Program

One of the main announcements was the launch of the Digital Internship Program. This initiative offers 200 internship positions for young graduates to equip them with industry-specific skills. Interns will be placed in IT companies located in IT parks in cities like Peshawar and Abbottabad. These placements aim to provide hands-on experience, ultimately enhancing employability. This move reflects the government’s commitment to creating a digitally capable workforce.

Join IT: Connecting Talent with Industry

To address the growing gap between skilled individuals and the IT industry, the Join IT online portal was introduced. The platform will serve as a bridge, enabling IT companies to find the technical expertise they require while providing employment opportunities for local talent. This initiative will strengthen KP’s talent pipeline, ensuring that young professionals have access to emerging job opportunities in the tech industry.

Google Partnership for Digital Skills Scholarships

In a significant partnership, KPITB has collaborated with Google through Tech Valley to offer 5,000 scholarships for youth in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These scholarships will provide training in high-demand digital skills, allowing participants to earn globally recognized certifications. This initiative will help bridge the gap between traditional education and modern industry needs, positioning the youth to drive innovation and economic development in the region.

Welcoming the 2024 Startup Cohort at Durshal

The province’s entrepreneurial ecosystem received a boost with the arrival of the 2024 startup cohort at Durshal, KPITB’s flagship incubation center. This year’s cohort comprises 20 startups from districts such as Swabi, Peshawar, Mardan, and Swat. Durshal has incubated over 173 startups to date, creating 1,600 direct jobs and generating PKR 751 million in revenue. The government’s continuous support of startups emphasizes its dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Government Innovation Fellowship Program

The Government Innovation Fellowship Program introduced a new batch of fellows who will work with various government departments to develop digital solutions for public sector challenges. This initiative is set to streamline service delivery and bring innovation to government operations, reflecting the administration’s focus on utilizing technology to improve governance.

Chief Minister’s Remarks:

At the launch event, Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur emphasized the province’s transformation into a hub of digital excellence. He stated, “These initiatives will equip our youth with the necessary skills and create an ecosystem that nurtures innovation and entrepreneurship. Creating jobs and earning opportunities is our top priority for KP’s youth.”

Through these initiatives, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is not only creating new job opportunities but also developing a sustainable ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and digital growth, positioning the province for continued success in the digital age.