ISLAMABAD: In a notable development aimed at bolstering IT expertise among the youth of Pakistan, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom has officially launched the ‘ICT Training Portal’ in collaboration with Huawei Technologies Pakistan. This initiative embarks on a journey to furnish recent graduates with essential hands-on experiences, bridging the widening gap between academic learning and the technically demanding IT industry.

The ICT Training Portal is designed to provide a comprehensive array of training modules focusing on contemporary Information and Communication Technology (ICT) trends. Among the key areas highlighted are artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Over the next three years, the programme is set to facilitate the connection of graduates with various IT companies for internship opportunities, a move aimed at nurturing practical skills that are critical in today’s digital economy.

At the launch event, Shaza Fatima, the Federal Minister for IT and Telecom, underscored the program’s commitment to elevating digital literacy among the youth. She articulated the belief that the portal would function as a cohesive platform, linking graduates to IT companies and effectively creating pathways to internship opportunities and experiences with innovative technologies.

Furthermore, Ahmed Bilal Masud, the Deputy CEO of Huawei Technologies Pakistan, remarked on the significance of investing in the youth to foster a skilled workforce capable of propelling the country towards economic and technological progress. He elaborated that Huawei's synergy of local resources and global expertise is poised to substantially contribute to the skill development and innovation within Pakistan's ICT sector.

In a separate but related effort, Huawei has formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with COMSATS University Islamabad. This agreement focuses on enhancing technical and vocational training for students and young technicians. Under this collaboration, Huawei will supply advanced ICT technologies to the university, further equipping educational resources and training programmes designed to deliver high-quality technical education.

The initiative is set to launch at COMSATS University Islamabad’s Lahore campus, with ambitions for future expansion to Karachi. This partnership aims to equip students with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving digital landscape, thus preparing them for the multifaceted challenges they are likely to encounter in their careers.

As a significant player in the global ICT arena, Huawei operates its second-largest research and development base in Pakistan, following China. The anticipated outcomes of this collaboration are to reinforce Pakistan’s ICT infrastructure and empower its youth to excel in the ever-expanding global digital economy.

Source: Noah Wire Services