The AJK Graduate Trainee Program is a major opportunity for fresh engineering graduates, launched through a partnership between Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) and the AJK Government. Under this program, graduates will receive paid, structured, six-month practical training in key government engineering departments, combining fieldwork with professional skill development.
Designed like a medical house job, the initiative bridges the gap between education and real-world experience. With hands-on exposure, monthly stipend support, and official PEC supervision, the program aims to boost employability, strengthen public institutions, and prepare young engineers for long-term careers.
What Exactly Has Been Announced for Fresh Graduates?
Under a freshly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), fresh engineering graduates will now be placed in key government engineering departments of AJK for structured, supervised, and paid practical training.
The MoU was signed by Engr. Muhammad Sohail Khan (Head Corporate Affairs Unit, PEC) and Atif Rahman (Additional Chief Secretary Development, AJK). The ceremony was attended by PEC Chairman Engr. Waseem Nazir, Chief Secretary AJK Kushal Khan, Registrar PEC Engr. Khadim Hussain Bhatti, and other senior officials showing that this is not a symbolic move, but a serious policy step.
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Why This Program Matters on Ground Level
Let’s be honest most engineering graduates in Pakistan face the same reality:
- “Experience required” for entry-level jobs
- No industry exposure after university
- Private internships that are unpaid or exploitative
This GET Program directly addresses that gap. It is being compared to the “house job” system for medical graduates, where learning happens on real projects, not just in classrooms. For many graduates from Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Rawalakot, and nearby districts, this could be their first real chance to work on government development projects.
Departments Where Graduates Will Be Placed
According to the agreement, graduate engineers will be placed in major engineering and development departments, including:
| No. | Department / Organization Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Central Design Office (CDO) |
| 2 | Communication & Works Department (Highways) |
| 3 | Physical Planning & Housing |
| 4 | Public Health Engineering |
| 5 | Planning & Development Department AJK |
| 6 | Electricity Department AJK |
| 7 | Power Development Organization |
| 8 | Machinery Division (PWD) |
| 9 | IT Department, Government of AJK |
This means real field exposure, from road projects and housing schemes to power and infrastructure planning not just desk work.
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Training Structure for Fresh Graduates
PEC Chairman Engr. Waseem Nazir explained that the GET Program follows a six-month training cycle, designed to balance technical learning with professional grooming.
Here is how it breaks down:
- 5 months of field-based practical training
- 1 month of soft skills development, including:
- Communication skills
- Professional ethics
- Workplace discipline
- Report writing and coordination
This combination is crucial. Employers don’t just look for degrees anymore; they want engineers who can communicate, manage sites, and understand real-world constraints.
Monthly Stipend – Not Just “Free Training”
One of the biggest relief points for graduates is that this is not an unpaid internship. Although the exact stipend amount has not been publicly disclosed yet, officials have confirmed that monthly financial support will be provided.
Making it easier for graduates from middle- and low-income families to participate without burdening their households. For many families in AJK, even a modest stipend can make a big difference covering travel, meals, and basic living expenses.
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What PEC and AJK Government Are Saying
PEC Chairman Engr. Waseem Nazir emphasized that the program is meant to increase employability and technical confidence among young engineers.
- “This initiative will prepare our graduates to meet modern engineering challenges and industry demands,” he said.
On the other side, Chief Secretary AJK Kushal Khan highlighted a long-standing issue:
- “There has always been a gap between academic learning and practical application. This program will help bridge that gap and strengthen public sector institutions.”
In simple words, AJK gets better-trained engineers, and graduates get real skills plus experience a win-win situation.
Why This Is a Big Deal for AJK Development
AJK is actively working on roads, power projects, housing, and public infrastructure. These projects need trained local engineers who understand the region’s geography, climate, and community needs.
By training graduates locally:
- Dependence on external consultants reduces
- Project quality improves
- Employment opportunities stay within the region
Over time, this program could create a strong, confident, and self-reliant engineering workforce for AJK.
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Who Should Start Preparing Right Now?
This opportunity is especially important for:
- Fresh engineering graduates registered with PEC
- Graduates struggling to get their first placement
- Engineers from AJK looking to work close to home
- Those planning to apply for government or large private sector roles later
Having official PEC-supervised training on your CV can seriously boost credibility during job interviews.
What Happens Next?
While the MoU has been signed, the official application process, eligibility criteria, and stipend details are expected to be announced soon.
Graduates are advised to:
- Keep PEC registration active
- Follow PEC and AJK Planning & Development Department updates
- Prepare documents and CVs in advance
Early applicants usually get priority in such programs.
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Final Words
In a job market full of uncertainty, the AJK Graduate Trainee Program feels like a rare piece of good news: practical, paid, and professionally designed.
For fresh engineers tired of hearing “experience chahiye”, this program could be the first solid step into the real engineering world. With PEC and the AJK Government working together, this initiative has the potential to change career paths and strengthen the region’s future at the same time.
FAQs – AJK Graduate Trainee Program
Who can apply for the AJK Graduate Trainee Program?
Fresh engineering graduates registered with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) are eligible to apply.
What is the duration of the Graduate Trainee Program?
The program runs for six months, including five months of field-based training and one month of soft skills development.
Will trainees receive a monthly stipend?
Yes, selected graduates will receive a monthly stipend during the training period.
In which departments will trainees be placed?
Trainees will work in major AJK government departments such as C&W, Electricity, P&D, Public Health Engineering, CDO, and IT.
What is the main purpose of this program?
The program aims to bridge the gap between academic education and practical experience while improving employability of fresh engineers.