The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication has launched the second batch of the SkillBridge Apprenticeship Program, offering recent IT graduates paid industry experience, hands-on work on real-world projects, and placement in PSEB-registered companies to help bridge the gap between academic learning and professional skills.

Under the six-month paid apprenticeship, selected participants will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 30,000 while working full-time in IT and IT-enabled services companies registered with the Pakistan Software Export Board. The program is designed to equip young professionals with practical technical expertise, workplace exposure, and professional skills needed to enter the job market.

The apprenticeship is open to graduates whose degrees or transcripts were issued within the last two years, with a minimum CGPA requirement of 2.5. The second batch is scheduled to commence on February 20, 2026.

The Ministry has opened the online application portal from January 26 to February 10, 2026. New applicants are required to register on the portal, while existing users must log in and update their profiles to be considered for Batch 2. The application process includes profile creation, resume submission, and uploading required documents, including academic transcripts and CNIC.

In parallel, IT and ITeS companies across Pakistan have been invited to participate as host organizations. New companies must register on the portal, while existing registered firms must update their profiles within the same application window. Host companies will be required to provide full-time placements to apprentices for the entire six-month duration.

The SkillBridge Apprenticeship Program is a national initiative led by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication in partnership with the Pakistan Software Export Board. The program aligns with the Digital Pakistan agenda and aims to strengthen industry-academia linkages, improve workforce readiness, and support the growth and competitiveness of Pakistan’s IT sector by developing an industry-ready talent pool.