Need of the Hour
The global skills gap is a pressing issue, with an estimated 85 million jobs projected to remain unfilled by 2030 due to a lack of skilled workers, potentially leading to $8.5 trillion in unrealized annual revenues. In the IT sector alone, a 2023 report indicated a shortage of around 4 million tech professionals.
In Pakistan, the skills gap mirrors the global challenge it’s rather exacerbated. The market calls hiring for 135-140K IT roles every year, where the no of IT graduates entering the market is 20,000 to 25,000, and only 2,000 to 2,500 are able to land jobs. This means that for every graduate landing a job, there are approximately 61 jobs available in the IT sector.
Next, considering the projected growth of 18,000 to 20,000 new jobs annually, if we assess how many graduates will be required to fill the existing and new roles, we see that approximately 154,250 resources must be trained each year.
Total IT jobs to be filled/year = 135,000 to 140,000
Average IT jobs/year = 137,500
New jobs added/year = 18,000 to 20,000
Average new jobs/year = 19,000
Current employable graduates = 2000 to 2500
Average employable graduates = 2250
This is a multifold problem and needs an inclusive multifold solution. Our solution is built on two innovative business models designed to tackle the problem from all possible angles.
Our Brand Breakdown
Meeting the Need
Training & Placement
We are equipping individuals with both technical and soft skills through tailored training programs. We offer specialized tech skills training alongside essential soft skills development to prepare participants for the competitive job market.
Our training programs enhance their technical expertise and foster critical interpersonal skills, ensuring they are placement-ready. By providing targeted training and hands-on experience, we bridge the gap between education and employment, ultimately helping to reduce the skills shortage in the IT sector.
Bridging Academia
& Industry
By creating a collaborative platform that connects universities with industry leaders, we facilitate partnerships that enable students and academic institutions to work closely with businesses on various initiatives.
This collaboration can take the form of joint ventures, mentorship programs, and practical training opportunities. By fostering this relationship, we ensure that the educational programs are aligned with industry needs, creating a pipeline of skilled talent ready to meet the demands of the workforce.
Our Brand Breakdown
Who
Anyone looking to build a career in IT or enhance their current skills can benefit from our programs. This includes students, fresh graduates, professionals seeking a career shift, or individuals who want to deepen their expertise in key tech fields like AI, cybersecurity, or software development.
What
Unsure about which path to choose? Our personalized selection process helps you identify the learning path that best suits your career aspirations. Whether you aim to specialize in data analytics, cloud computing, or software development, our expert career mentors are available for one-on-one consultations to guide you in choosing the course that aligns with your goals and the market demand.
Where
We offer remote learning options so you can access our programs from anywhere in Pakistan. For those preferring in-person training, we host sessions at our Abbottabad hub, and we plan to expand to more cities in the future.
When
Our courses run year-round with new cohorts starting every three months. We maintain flexible schedules to fit your availability, ensuring you can join at a time that works best for you.
Why
We offer industry-aligned training, designed and curated by global IT experts. Our hands-on learning approach ensures that you gain practical, real-world skills that make you job-ready. By training with us, you’ll have access to a strong network of industry mentors and job placement services, making us more than just a training provider—we are your partners in career success.
Vision
Positioning Pakistan as a global leader in the IT economy, driven by the harnessed potential of its human capital.
Mission
We are building an ecosystem that enables our youth potential with skills and opportunities, driving Pakistan’s contribution to the global IT economy, upwards.
Our Values
Innovation
We are committed to fostering change and transformation through cutting-edge training and industry-relevant skills.
Inclusivity
We believe in providing opportunities for all, regardless of background, education, or experience.
Commitment
We are dedicated to the success of our participants, supporting them every step of the way with resilience and tenacity.
Sustainable Impact
Our focus is on creating long-term solutions that not only benefit individuals but also contribute to the wider tech industry and society.
Our Values
Innovation
We are committed to fostering change and transformation through cutting-edge training and industry-relevant skills.
Inclusivity
We believe in providing opportunities for all, regardless of background, education, or experience.
Commitment
We are dedicated to the success of our participants, supporting them every step of the way with resilience and tenacity.
Sustainable Impact
Our focus is on creating long-term solutions that not only benefit individuals but also contribute to the wider tech industry and society.
Our Philosophy
At Upwards, we believe the time has come to declare a technology emergency. In an era where technology drives the world, it is crucial to train and equip as many individuals as possible in IT roles. This is not only the need of the hour but also the most significant step toward long-term prosperity for individuals and the nation as a whole. By investing in tech skills today, we can transform the current state of our country, changing the economic and social landscape in a way that no other investment could.
We believe that adversity brings opportunity—and in these trying times, the opportunity to leverage technology has never been greater. It is in moments of challenge that we must act boldly, as this is the time when the potential for growth and progress is at its highest.
By focusing on tech skill development, we are not just investing in individuals, but also shaping micro and macroeconomic growth. On a micro level, we see the financial upliftment of individuals, improving their circumstances and increasing their incomes. On a macro level, this initiative will enable Pakistan to contribute significantly to the global IT economy, positioning the nation as a key player on the world stage.
Our Story
The idea emerged from recognizing a global skill shortage and a desire to give back. Our Founders, who had trained hundreds in the U.S., focused on shaping a solution to address this challenge.
We conducted extensive research to validate our observations and predictions. Using our findings, we established the organizational structure of Upwards. Along with it’s business model, we built a team, developed the curriculum and training plan.
We launched with a diverse batch in Full Stack Development, achieving a 90% placement rate. We also introduced Project Management and Business Analysis trainings, with an 85% placement rate, and launched our website.
We trained a batch from Akhuwat Foundation and welcomed trainees from Al-Khidmat Foundation. We also launched the Techwareness campaign to bridge the gap between academia and industry, collaborating with GPGC, GCCW, and PAF IAST. We also began developing ReadYou, a project under Upwards focused on soft skill training programs.
We are aiming to make our trainings accessible to 230-250 people, with a target of achieving a 100% placement rate.
Collaborate With Us
We’re always looking to expand our impact. Whether you’re an industry leader, educational institution, or a like-minded organization, there’s a place for you in our mission to transform the tech landscape.
Ali Kayani
CEO and Founder
Waqar Arshad
CFO / CTO
Lybah Tariq
Project Lead