LMKT and Microsoft have collaborated to launch the first APPFactory (Apprenticeship Factory) in Pakistan that will work on developing the digital skills, coding capabilities and employability of young ICT graduates.
The APPFactory model was first developed by Microsoft in 2013 with its pilot in Africa through its 4Afrika Initiative that transitioned into a partner driven franchise model with the AppFactory program rapidly expanding into 11 African countries. Today, there is a network of 17 AppFactories and over 1,400 young apprentices have successfully graduated from the program. 85% of these graduates from the program have managed to secure jobs within three months of graduating while others have started their own businesses.
In Pakistan, the AppFactory is under the LMKT SPARK program and will be recruiting up to 30 apprentices every six months, and placing them alongside senior software technicians to work on real-world industry projects. The graduating apprentices will also be able to fully design and implement modern software solutions, and have access to jobs through both LMKT and the Microsoft Partner Network.
Atif Rais Khan, CEO LMKT speaking on the occasion said, “As the world becomes increasingly digital, how employable you are, or how competitive your business is, strongly depends on your level of 21st century capabilities, such as coding and data analytics. LMKT SPARK through the APPFactoryaims to develop these skills – enhancing youth employability, while also accelerating Pakistan’s digital transformation by promoting industry innovation, such as the development of eGovernance and agri-tech solutions.”
Amrote Abdella, Regional Director of the Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative speaking about the program said, “The AppFactory is a tried and tested model that is successfully improving youth employability, and entrepreneurship, across a variety of industries. Microsoft provides the blueprint and tools for the programme, but the programme itself is entirely run by local partners – who source and set projects in industries ranging from healthcare to transportation. Every industry is being touched and enhanced by technology, and the AppFactory is building a strong talent pool for any organization looking to digitally transform. We’re excited about this expansion into Pakistan with LMKT, which is a milestone in the development of the AppFactory.”
Furthermore, along with developing digital skills, the LMKT SPARK initiative will also serve as a local Research and Development Lab for enterprises, entrepreneurs, small-to-medium enterprises and government.
LMKT’s Vice President of Information Resource Management, Meer Anwar regarding the program said that this can go a long way in supporting Pakistan’s 2025 vision to become a top-performing economy, and further improve its ease of doing business ranking.
