The Graduate Engineer Trainee Program was introduced by the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in a ground-breaking collaboration with PEC. The program’s main goal is to give recent engineering graduates real world experience and professional growth. The goal of this program is to increase youth employment opportunities throughout AJK and improve technical skills.
A Memorandum of Understanding between PEC and the AJK Planning and Development Department formalized the program. The MoU establishes a methodical route for engineering graduates to obtain practical professional experience. At the signing ceremony senior representatives from both organizations demonstrated their unwavering dedication to the development of youth skills.
Strategic Partnership for Skill Development
The MoU was signed by Engr. Muhammad Sohail Khan and Additional Chief Secretary Atif Rahman in AJK. PEC Chairman Engr. Waseem Nazir and Chief Secretary Kushal Khan were present, showing high-level support for the program. Other senior officials, including Registrar PEC Engr. Khadim Hussain Bhatti, also attended reflecting institutional commitment to the initiative.
This partnership establishes framework for placing graduate engineers in critical government departments across AJK. It allows young engineers to gain practical experience under the supervision of experienced professionals. The program bridging the gap between academic knowledge and professional application in real world projects.
Program Structure and Departmental Reach
Modeled after the medical house job system the PEC GET Program lasts six months in total. Five months are dedicated to field based learning in engineering departments ensuring practical exposure. The final month focuses on soft skills development including communication, teamwork and professional etiquette.
Chairman PEC Engr. Waseem Nazir emphasized that the program enhances employability and develops technically skilled professionals for the engineering sector. Trainees receive exposure to both operational workflows and practical engineering tasks to become industry ready. By combining technical learning with professional training the program prepares graduates for long term career success.
Trainees will work in departments such as the Central Design Office, Communication & Works and Planning & Development. Other departments include Public Health Engineering, Electricity, Power Development Organization, Machinery Division and IT. This broad placement ensures engineers gain experience in infrastructure, energy or technology and public service sectors.
The program directly addresses the lack of practical experience often faced by fresh graduates entering the workforce. Supervised training under professionals allow graduates to apply their theoretical knowledge effectively in real projects. This approach strengthens confidence, competence and professional ethics for young engineers transitioning to employment.
Roles and Responsibilities under the GET Program
PEC Shall
- Develop and maintain a national pool of qualified engineering graduates ready for deployment.
- Conduct orientation sessions and briefings to prepare selected graduates for practical training.
- Nominate graduate engineers to relevant departments or industries for placement opportunities.
- Disburse monthly stipends directly to each graduate engineer during their deployment.
- Design and implement a performance monitoring and feedback mechanism for tracking progress.
- Issue experience certificates upon successful completion of the deployment program.
Partner Organizations Shall
- Identify suitable placements across departments or industries and communicate trainee demand.
- Ensure integration of GETs in technical and planning activities within a professional environment.
- Assign mentors or supervisors to provide guidance and oversee trainee performance.
- Facilitate regular reporting on attendance and progress to PEC.
- Support evaluation and provide institutional feedback to improve program effectiveness.
Validity of MoU
- The Memorandum of Understanding will remain effective for an initial period of three years.
- Renewal can occur through mutual consent between PEC and the partner organization.
AJK Chief Secretary’s Perspective
Chief Secretary Kushal Khan stated the program bridges the gap between academic learning and practical application in government departments. Engineers completing this training will contribute more effectively to regional development and public service projects. The initiative ensures AJK institutions benefit from skilled and professionally trained engineers for infrastructure development.
Khan highlights that the program encourages continuous learning and innovation while building a culture of excellence in government departments. This approach improves project quality, departmental efficiency and professional growth opportunities for graduates. By embedding young engineers in critical sectors the program supports sustainable regional development goals in AJK.
Impact on AJK’s Development and Engineering Community
The GET Program is recognized as a major milestone for engineers across AJK. It offers graduates a validated and structured path to gain professional experience in government departments. Departments benefit from fresh talent, updated academic knowledge and innovative approaches to ongoing projects and operations.
The long term goal is to develop a confident, skilled and modern engineering workforce capable of handling complex projects. This workforce will strengthen infrastructure resilience, energy systems, urban planning and transportation development across the region. By nurturing capable engineers AJK ensures sustainable growth and improved service delivery for its communities.
PEC and the AJK Government are jointly ensuring that the GET Program becomes a central model for professional development. It demonstrates how inter institutional cooperation can empower youth and improve public sector technical capacity. Through structured hands-on training the program prepares graduates to meet national and international engineering standards successfully.
About Parhlo Pakistan
Parhlo Pakistan is a leading platform delivering reliable news, educational updates, and career opportunities in Pakistan. The website covers initiatives like the PEC GET Program, providing youth guidance and awareness about career development. By highlighting such programs, Parhlo Pakistan helps students and graduates make informed decisions about their professional growth and education.
Conclusion
The Graduate Engineer Trainee Program marks a historic step for AJK in supporting engineers and youth employment. Through practical training with structured mentorship and professional skill development the initiative ensures graduates become industry ready professionals. By bridging education and real world application the program strengthens AJK workforce and contributes meaningfully to regional development goals.
