More than 1,500 young job seekers thronged a Haripur job fair, signaling rising demand for skills-based careers, internships and practical training amid changing job market dynamics.
HARIPUR | WEB DESK
A major employment fair in Haripur saw an overwhelming turnout of young job seekers, with students and recent graduates dominating participation as demand for skills-driven career opportunities grows.
The event, organized by RankingGrow in collaboration with Metrix Pakistan, the Directorate of Youth Affairs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Haripur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, attracted over 1,500 participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Opportunities meet ambition
Organizers offered:
- Over 50 job openings
- More than 200 internships
- Around 1,000 training placements
Several candidates were shortlisted and hired on the spot, reflecting a growing trend in which employers prioritize practical skills over academic credentials.
Participants engaged directly with recruiters, gaining insights into industry expectations and exploring multiple career pathways under one roof—an opportunity many described as rare.
Leaders stress skills over degrees
Chief guest Babar Nawaz Khan, along with attendees including Syeda Amina Gilani, Malik Umair Khalid, Syed Safdar Zaman Shah, and Waqar Ali, interacted with participants and observed the recruitment process.
During the event, Ammad Ali emphasized that traditional academic pathways alone are no longer sufficient in today’s evolving job market.
“Youth must be equipped with real-world skills to stay competitive,” he said.
Focus on technical and vocational training
Officials highlighted the importance of technical and digital competencies, citing ongoing initiatives by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission to expand vocational training nationwide.
Speakers also urged the private sector to take a more active role in mentoring and hiring young talent, particularly at the local level.
A response to rising unemployment
The event drew participants from educators, legal professionals, religious scholars, and officials, all of whom described it as a positive step toward tackling unemployment.
Organizers said follow-up support would be provided to participants through continued access to training programs and career guidance.
A clear trend emerging
Observers noted that the strong youth turnout reflects both the urgency of employment needs and a growing shift toward skills-based careers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
As Pakistan’s job market evolves, events like this highlight a critical transition—where skills, adaptability and practical experience are becoming more valuable than traditional degrees alone.
