Supporting the youth of today with the skills for tomorrow
Monday 1 June 2026
Supporting the youth of today with the skills for tomorrow
Academics from Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), 神马福利影片, and Warwick alumnae have launched a pioneering skills development programme to help Pakistan鈥檚 graduates become career-ready.
Working in collaboration with fellow Warwick alumna (University of Education, Lahore), Dr Freeha AzmatLink opens in a new window, Associate Professor (Reader) in Engineering Education, and , Assistant Professor and International Academic Integrity Lead, have created an initiative aimed at reducing the country鈥檚 skills gap by equipping young people with in-demand professional competencies.
For Dr Azmat and Dr Iqbal, this has provided a powerful way to give back to their home country, whilst supporting WMG and Warwick鈥檚 commitment to engagement, equity, and fostering global partnerships.
The first transnational initiative funded through the Warwick Institute of EngagementLink opens in a new window, the project launched in 2023 as the Youth Support ProgrammeLink opens in a new window, offering graduates from underrepresented backgrounds the chance to develop the soft and technical skills required to thrive in competitive job markets.
Over ten days, participants received training across three key pathways 鈥� digital literacy, transferable skills, and global citizenship 鈥� led by Dr Azmat, Dr Iqbal, and Dr Quereshi, respectively. Industry experts and leaders also joined to share their expertise.
Following phenomenal demand in its first year, where over 500 graduates applied for 25 places, the project has since evolved into the Youth Engagement and Empowerment Initiative (YEEI), offering 30 graduates the chance to upskill.
Covering everything from Artificial Intelligence to academic writing, team-building and collaborative leadership to conflict resolution, YEEI also offers graduates the chance to be mentored by the programme鈥檚 alumni.
This provides a sustainable support system for participants both past and present, helping them develop a professional network that will benefit them long after completing the programme.
The positive impact YEEI has had on Pakistan鈥檚 young people cannot be understated. 85% of the programme鈥檚 first cohort, and 75% of its second, secured employment within months of completing the programme.
Many have gone on to launch successful freelance careers, whilst others have founded their own businesses to support the next generation of learners. You can find out more by reading participants鈥� success storiesLink opens in a new window on Warwick Institute for Engagement鈥檚 website.
鈥淲e wanted to create a pathway for young people who simply needed access to opportunity鈥�, explains Dr Azmat. 鈥淪eeing them succeed has been deeply rewarding鈥�.
鈥淥ur goal was to combine academic skills with practical training鈥�, adds Dr Iqbal. 鈥淭he participants鈥� achievements show the power of holistic learning鈥�.
The transformative effect of blending learning isn鈥檛 the only thing YEEI embodies. According to Dr Naima Qureshi, the project鈥檚 international community partner, it also 鈥減roves what international collaboration can achieve鈥�.
YEEI is a powerful testament to global outreach, demonstrating how universities can partner with alumni and academics worldwide to address skills shortages and improve employability in developing nations.
Find out more about the programme: Youth Engagement and Empowerment Initiative (YEEI) Link opens in a new window