PSEB to Hire Firm to Train 20,000 Students in Advanced IT Skills

he Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) is preparing to select a company to train 20,000 students under the Prime Minister’s Initiative to Support IT Startups, Specialized IT Training, and Venture Capital.

The initiative is designed to equip university students and recent graduates with cutting-edge IT skills, addressing the growing demand for a skilled workforce in the technology sector. The training will cover specialized areas such as MERN Stack, Web Engineering, Cloud Architecture, Software Quality Assurance (SQA), and Mobile App Development.

The selected company will be responsible for delivering the training in a mixed-mode format, with 70% of the sessions conducted in physical classrooms and 30% in a hybrid mode. The training will be held across various universities and IT training facilities in cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Quetta. The initiative is aimed at students enrolled in the 6th, 7th, and 8th semesters of IT-related bachelor’s degree programs, as well as fresh graduates from the last 12 months.

According to PSEB, the eligible applicants for the project include IT training companies, IT firms, software houses, and industry associations. They may apply individually or as part of a consortium.

The companies are expected to demonstrate the capability to deploy industry professionals, such as system architects, software developers, and cloud solution designers, to deliver the training. The training content will be drawn from a pre-approved curriculum, with additional topics potentially added based on industry demand and stakeholder input.

Training will be carried out in well-equipped facilities provided by universities and IT industry partners, with a focus on ensuring that the classrooms and computer labs meet the required standards. The PSEB has reserved the right to reject any facilities deemed unsuitable and to request replacements. The project awardees must also ensure the safety and well-being of all trainees and staff, with special attention to female participants.

This large-scale training initiative seeks to bridge the skills gap in Pakistan’s IT industry, enhancing the employability of graduates and meeting the needs of the rapidly growing technology sector. The program aligns with the PSEB’s mission to promote sustainable growth and development within the industry by increasing the availability of industry-ready professionals. The success of this initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s IT export growth and the overall economy.