Mari Energies and xLoop Digital have celebrated the graduation of Cohort I of the Mari Digital Skills, Training & Employment Program, a five-month initiative designed to equip young people from underserved communities with the technical and professional skills needed to succeed in today’s digital economy.

The program brought together 44 participants, including five female graduates, for intensive training in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Agentic Development, and Full Stack Development, combining structured learning with practical, project-based experience to prepare participants for real-world careers.

Most notably, all graduates have successfully transitioned into internships and employment opportunities, demonstrating the program’s commitment to creating outcomes that extend beyond training and certification.

As organizations across industries accelerate digital transformation and AI adoption, the demand for professionals with practical technology skills continues to grow. Yet many talented young people, particularly those from rural communities, face barriers to accessing industry-relevant education and employment opportunities.

The Mari Digital Skills, Training & Employment Program was developed to help bridge that gap.

Through a fully sponsored learning experience, participants gained hands-on exposure to emerging technologies, software development, problem-solving methodologies, and workplace readiness skills, enabling them to pursue meaningful career opportunities in Pakistan’s growing digital economy.

According to the program’s organizers, the objective was never limited to technical training alone. The broader goal was to create sustainable pathways from learning to employment and long-term economic empowerment.

During the graduation ceremony held at xLoop Digital’s Karachi office, leadership from both organizations emphasized the importance of industry-driven workforce development initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Mir Nasir, CEO and Founder of xLoop Digital, highlighted the role such programs can play in addressing the disconnect between academic learning and industry requirements.

“Programmes like this are how we close the gap between what our academic institutions teach and what industry actually needs. For our female graduates in particular, this is a real opportunity, a chance to build a career and work remotely, on their own terms, without having to leave their homes or communities to do it.”

The statement reflects a growing industry focus on creating opportunities that enable individuals, particularly women and youth in underserved regions, to participate in the digital workforce.

The graduation ceremony was attended by Faheem Haider, Managing Director of Mari Energies, Naseem Qamar, Director HSE at Mari Energies, and Danish Iqbal, Chairman of xLoop, who addressed graduates and encouraged them to embrace continuous learning and professional development.

Faheem Haider reinforced the importance of lifelong learning in an increasingly technology-driven world.

“If I can still be learning at this stage of my career, then certainly our young people can too. The world is evolving quickly, and continuous learning is what will keep them relevant in it”

He further announced support for graduates seeking higher education opportunities: “For any of our graduates who want to pursue further education at the university level, Mari Energies is willing to sponsor and support that.”

For Mari Energies, the initiative forms part of a broader corporate social responsibility strategy focused on education, youth development, employability, diversity, and inclusion.

Naseem Qamar, Director HSE at Mari Energies, emphasized the importance of connecting talent with opportunity.

“Young people in our operational areas have talent and ambition. Our role is to help connect that potential with relevant opportunities. This was not just a training or certificate program. The key objective was to create a pathway from learning to employment and sustainable livelihoods. Our partnership with xLoop has helped connect the training with practical employment opportunities.”

The results from Cohort I demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, with every graduate securing an internship or employment opportunity upon completion of the program.

The successful completion of Cohort I marks an important milestone in the partnership between xLoop and Mari Energies, and demonstrates how collaboration between industry leaders can create measurable impact in workforce development.

As Pakistan’s technology ecosystem continues to evolve, initiatives that combine digital skills training with direct pathways to employment will play an increasingly important role in preparing future talent for careers in AI, software development, digital transformation, and emerging technologies.

With Cohort II scheduled to begin in September 2026, both organizations remain committed to expanding opportunities, strengthening employability, and helping build the next generation of Pakistan’s digital workforce.