KP Youth Employment Program (KPYEP) re-launched today, with trainings underway in Peshawar, Abbottabad and Madan districts. The program is now directly administered by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board, with technical assistance provided by the World Bank. KPYEP builds on the successes and incorporates the lessons learned from the first phase of the program, which began in March 2016. Nearly 4000 KP residents were trained on freelancing platforms last year. KPYEP was the first public sector supported freelancing training in Pakistan. The application process for the re-launch began on August 14th, and over 8000 KP residents applied in just 6 weeks. Application data was analyzed and the first batch of courses were initiated based on demand per district. In October 2017, trainings on software and hardware skills for Internet of Things (IoT) device development for engineers, WordPress skills for beginners wanting to develop websites; and Graphic Design and Digital Marketing courses for aspiring creative youth are being offered. KPYEP’s vision is to be Pakistan’s first digital economy platform connecting youth with training, skills, and also employment opportunities. It uses a flexible and adaptive approach to keep up with the rapidly changing demands of the digital economy. In addition, KPYEP is an open platform to connect training providers with learners on a demand basis to help facilitate learning opportunities for all. Applications for further batches and more courses will be announced soon. Dr. Shahbaz Khan, Managing Director of KP IT Board, said “KP YEP is the first public sector supported digital economy platform in Pakistan. We will reduce the industry-academia skills gap by providing advanced trainings for engineers, but also provide in-demand courses for beginners. We want to connect our youth to opportunities across the economic spectrum, and not just stress freelancing alone”.