AJK Set to Launch Graduate Trainee Program for Engineers. The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has taken a major step toward strengthening the professional capacity of young engineers by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Planning and Development Department of the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K). This agreement paves the way for the implementation of the PEC Graduate Engineer Trainee (GET) Placement Program across several key engineering departments in the region.
The initiative aims to provide fresh engineering graduates with structured, hands-on training opportunities that bridge the long-standing gap between academic education and real-world engineering practice. By placing young engineers directly into public sector departments, the program seeks to enhance employability while also improving the technical strength of government institutions in AJ&K.
MoU Signing Ceremony and Key Officials
The MoU was formally signed by Engr. Muhammad Sohail Khan, Head of the Corporate Affairs Unit at PEC, and Atif Rahman, Additional Chief Secretary (Development) of AJ&K. The signing ceremony was attended by several senior officials, highlighting the importance of the initiative.
PEC Chairman Engr. Waseem Nazir and Chief Secretary AJ&K Kushal Khan graced the occasion, while Registrar PEC Engr. Khadim Hussain Bhatti and other senior representatives from both sides were also present. Their participation underscored the shared commitment of PEC and the AJ&K government to invest in the future of Pakistan’s engineering workforce.
Engineering Departments Included in the Program
Under the agreement, graduate engineers will be placed in a wide range of leading engineering and technical departments operating under the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. These include the Central Design Office (CDO), Communication and Works Department (Highways), Physical Planning and Housing / Public Health Engineering Department, Planning and Development Department, Electricity Department AJ&K, Power Development Organization, Machinery Division (PWD), and the IT Department of the AJ&K government.
By working across diverse departments, trainees will gain exposure to infrastructure development, power and energy projects, public works, planning, and digital governance, giving them a well-rounded professional foundation.
Structure and Duration of the GET Program
Speaking at the ceremony, PEC Chairman Engr. Waseem Nazir explained that the Graduate Engineer Trainee Program has been designed on the model of the “house job” system followed in the medical profession. The program runs for a total duration of six months and focuses on both technical and professional skill development.
Out of the six months, five months are dedicated to field-based, practical learning under the supervision of experienced professionals. The remaining one month focuses on soft skills development, including communication, professional ethics, teamwork, and workplace readiness. This balanced approach ensures that graduates are not only technically competent but also prepared for the professional demands of the engineering sector.
Enhancing Employability and Technical Capacity
According to PEC leadership, the primary objective of the GET Placement Program is to improve the employability of fresh engineering graduates by equipping them with real-world experience. The program is expected to strengthen technical competence, boost confidence, and prepare young engineers to meet the evolving needs of the public and private sectors.
Chief Secretary AJ&K noted that the initiative would play a crucial role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge gained at universities and its practical application in the field. He emphasized that trained engineers would be able to contribute more effectively to development projects, infrastructure planning, and public service delivery across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Long-Term Benefits for AJ&K Development
Beyond individual career growth, the program is also expected to have long-term benefits for the region. By placing trained and motivated young engineers within public sector institutions, the government aims to enhance the overall quality of project execution, planning, and technical decision-making.
This collaboration between PEC and the AJ&K government reflects a broader commitment to sustainable development, capacity building, and youth empowerment, particularly in technically demanding sectors that play a key role in regional progress.
FAQs
What is the PEC Graduate Engineer Trainee (GET) Program?
The GET Program is a structured training initiative by the Pakistan Engineering Council designed to provide fresh engineering graduates with supervised, practical, and field-based experience in public sector departments.
How long does the GET Placement Program last?
The program runs for six months, including five months of hands-on field training and one month dedicated to soft skills and professional development.
Which departments in AJ&K are included in the program?
Graduate engineers will be placed in departments such as the Central Design Office, Communication and Works (Highways), Public Health Engineering, Electricity Department AJ&K, Power Development Organization, Machinery Division (PWD), Planning and Development Department, and the IT Department.
How does the program benefit fresh engineering graduates?
The program enhances employability by providing real-world experience, improving technical competence, and developing professional skills that are essential for successful engineering careers.
Conclusion
The signing of the MoU between the Pakistan Engineering Council and the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir marks an important milestone in professional engineering development. Through the Graduate Engineer Trainee Placement Program, fresh graduates will gain valuable hands-on experience, while public sector institutions benefit from enhanced technical support.
The initiative not only strengthens employability but also contributes to improved service delivery and development outcomes across AJ&K, making it a win-win for both young engineers and the region as a whole.
