NUST College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (CEME) has been selected as the lead institution for a consortium implementing the Up-Skilling Training Program (USTP) under the National Semiconductor Human Resource Development Program (NSHRDP-INSPIRE). The programme is being executed by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and is aimed at developing specialised skills in semiconductor and integrated circuit (IC) design technologies. Through industry-oriented training, the initiative seeks to build a skilled national workforce and prepare Pakistani graduates for high-value opportunities in the global semiconductor industry. The programme places higher education institutions at the centre of efforts to develop specialised technical capabilities needed for the country’s growing interest in semiconductor design and related technologies.
The consortium will be led by NUST College of EME in collaboration with the NUST Chip Design Centre. The University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore and the Islamia University of Bahawalpur will participate as consortium partners. By bringing together institutions from different parts of the country, the programme will provide a broader academic base for specialised semiconductor training and skills development. The consortium structure also connects university-level education with dedicated chip design capabilities, creating a platform through which graduates can receive training aligned with the requirements of the semiconductor and IC design industry. The formal signing ceremony for the programme was held at NUST College of EME, marking the start of the consortium’s role in implementing the specialised training programme.
The Up-Skilling Training Program is focused on providing training that is both specialised and industry-oriented. Semiconductor and IC design require technical expertise across areas that are not typically covered in depth through general computing or engineering education, making specialised workforce development important for countries seeking greater participation in the global chip industry. The programme is intended to help Pakistani graduates develop relevant knowledge and practical capabilities while creating a pipeline of talent for high-value technology opportunities. Its focus on upskilling also provides an avenue for graduates and technical professionals to build capabilities in a sector where demand for specialised engineering and design expertise continues to grow internationally.
The initiative forms part of the National Semiconductor Human Resource Development Program, with PSEB implementing the programme under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication. Pakistan has increasingly identified semiconductor technology and chip design as areas where developing local expertise could support the country’s broader technology ecosystem and create opportunities for participation in international value chains. The involvement of NUST CEME, the NUST Chip Design Centre, UET Lahore and the Islamia University of Bahawalpur provides the programme with an academic and technical consortium for delivering the training. As implementation progresses, the programme is expected to contribute to the development of a specialised talent pool capable of pursuing opportunities in semiconductor and IC design, while supporting Pakistan’s efforts to expand its technology workforce beyond conventional IT services into advanced technology fields.
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