Thirty young participants completed a five-day intensive workshop, “NEXTGen: Soft Skills for Youth Workforce Readiness,” in Ghakuch, Ghizer, strengthening practical communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and professional skills needed to navigate today’s competitive workplace.
The PUAN Grant was led and implemented by Dr. Aftab Ahmed Khan, a Fulbright Scholar (2021–2022) and alumnus of the University of Kansas, where he completed his postdoctoral research. Dr. Khan earned his PhD from the Technical University of Munich and currently serves as an Associate Professor at Karakoram International University (KIU), Gilgit, as well as Director of the university’s School for Professional Development and Continuing Education (SPDCE).
Supported by the U.S. Mission in Pakistan through the Pakistan–U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), the five-day workshop focused on helping participants complement their academic knowledge with practical workplace competencies relevant to employment, professional growth, and emerging opportunities in the digital and remote-work economy.
Over five days, participants took part in interactive sessions, practical exercises, group activities, discussions, presentations, and workplace-oriented learning activities. The training covered effective communication, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, adaptability, time management, professional ethics, confidence building, and professional networking.
Rather than focusing only on theoretical concepts, the workshop provided participants with opportunities to practice expressing ideas clearly, working collaboratively, managing professional interactions, and responding to workplace challenges. The program also emphasized the growing importance of soft skills alongside academic and technical qualifications as young professionals prepare to enter local and national job markets.
Through his role at SPDCE, Dr. Khan is also involved in professional development and industry-oriented training in emerging areas including artificial intelligence, data science, geographic information systems, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and information technology. His implementation of the NEXTGen workshop reflected a broader focus on connecting academic learning with practical workplace expectations and professional development.
The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony attended by Dr. Shahab U Din, Director of KIU Ghizer Campus; Dr. Saranjam Baig; Dr. Aftab Ahmed Khan; and Ms. Shenaz Gul, along with representatives of civil society and members of the local community.
During the ceremony, speakers highlighted the importance of preparing young people with professional competencies that complement formal education. They emphasized communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, adaptability, and professional networking as increasingly important capabilities for young professionals seeking to compete in changing employment markets.
Dr. Shahab U Din appreciated the initiative and encouraged participants to apply the skills gained during the five-day workshop in their academic and professional pursuits.
Participants also reflected on the practical value of the training, noting improvements in their confidence, communication abilities, and understanding of workplace expectations.
By combining structured learning with practical exercises and professional development, the NEXTGen: Soft Skills for Youth Workforce Readiness grant helped 30 young participants strengthen competencies that can support their transition from education to employment and prepare them for future professional opportunities.
