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), University of Warwick, and Warwick alumnae have launched a pioneering skills development programme to help Pakistan’s graduates become career-ready.
Working in collaboration with fellow Warwick alumna Dr Naima QuereshiLink opens in a new window (University of Education, Lahore), Dr Freeha AzmatLink opens in a new window, Associate Professor (Reader) in Engineering Education, and Dr Asima IqbalLink opens in a new window, Assistant Professor and International Academic Integrity Lead, have created an initiative aimed at reducing the country’s 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’s 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 — digital literacy, transferable skills, and global citizenship — 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’s 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’s young people cannot be understated. 85% of the programme’s 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’ success storiesLink opens in a new window on Warwick Institute for Engagement’s website.
“We wanted to create a pathway for young people who simply needed access to opportunity”, explains Dr Azmat. “Seeing them succeed has been deeply rewarding”.
“Our goal was to combine academic skills with practical training”, adds Dr Iqbal. “The participants’ achievements show the power of holistic learning”.
The transformative effect of blending learning isn’t the only thing YEEI embodies. According to Dr Naima Qureshi, the project’s international community partner, it also “proves what international collaboration can achieve”.
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