The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has opened applications for Batch 2 of the SkillBridge Apprenticeship Program, expanding a flagship initiative aimed at easing the transition of young IT graduates into the professional workforce.
Under the six-month paid apprenticeship, selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of Rs30,000 while working full-time on real-world projects at Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB)-registered IT and IT-enabled services companies. Officials say the programme is designed to close the long-standing gap between academic learning and industry requirements by combining hands-on technical work with workplace exposure.
The second batch will begin on February 20, 2026, with the online application portal open from January 26 to February 10. Eligibility is limited to graduates whose degrees or transcripts were issued within the last two years, with a minimum CGPA of 2.5. Applicants are required to complete an online profile, submit a résumé, and upload supporting documents, including academic transcripts and CNIC.
Alongside graduate applications, IT and ITeS companies nationwide have been invited to join the programme as host organisations. New firms must register on the portal, while existing participants are required to update their profiles during the same window. Host companies will provide full-time placements for the entire six-month period, offering apprentices direct exposure to industry workflows and client-driven projects.
Launched by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication in collaboration with PSEB, SkillBridge is positioned as a key component of the Digital Pakistan agenda. Officials say the programme aims to strengthen industry–academia linkages, improve employability, and build a pipeline of industry-ready talent to support the long-term growth and competitiveness of Pakistan’s IT sector.
