ISLAMABAD, July 18 (Alliance News): Google has announced that it will provide 350,000 Google Career Certificates to Pakistani students under an expanded digital skills initiative aimed at equipping young people and professionals with industry-relevant expertise, including artificial intelligence (AI).
The technology company said it has added 150,000 new scholarships this year, increasing the total number of Google Career Certificates available under the programme in Pakistan to 350,000.
Under the initiative, participants from across the country will gain access to online, industry-recognized courses in artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, project management, digital marketing and e-commerce.
Google said the programme is designed to help students and young professionals acquire in-demand digital skills that enhance employability, support freelancing opportunities and encourage entrepreneurship in the growing digital economy.
The company noted that it has steadily expanded its investment in Pakistan’s digital education sector since 2022 and is now broadening the initiative into a comprehensive workforce development programme.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with local partners, including Tech Valley, the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) and the Higher Education Department, to increase access to quality digital learning opportunities across Pakistan.
The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader efforts to promote digital transformation, innovation and a knowledge-based economy by equipping youth with globally recognized certifications and job-ready skills.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has directed its officials to complete at least two Google Career Certificate courses to strengthen the adoption of artificial intelligence and other emerging digital technologies across the public sector.
The move is expected to enhance the digital capacity of government institutions while supporting Pakistan’s vision of building a skilled workforce capable of competing in the global technology market.
Industry experts believe the expanded programme will help bridge Pakistan’s digital skills gap, improve employment opportunities for graduates and strengthen the country’s growing freelance and technology sectors.