In a bold move to bridge the gender gap in Pakistan’s engineering sector, the National Transmission & Despatch Company (NTDC) — formerly known as the National Grid Company (NGC) — has unveiled its “Grid Girls” Internship Program 2025. This fully funded initiative, backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is designed to empower female students and recent graduates in engineering fields. With a focus on hands-on training and mentorship, the program promises to equip women with the skills needed to thrive in male-dominated industries.
Why This Internship Is a Game-Changer for Women in STEM
Pakistan’s engineering sector has long been skewed toward male professionals, with women representing less than 10% of the workforce. The Grid Girls program seeks to challenge this imbalance by creating pathways for young women to gain technical expertise, build professional networks, and contribute to national infrastructure projects.
“This isn’t just about internships — it’s about rewriting the narrative for women in STEM,” says an NTDC spokesperson. “We’re investing in future leaders who will shape Pakistan’s energy and construction sectors.”
What’s in It for Participants? Key Benefits of the Grid Girls Program
The NTDC-ADB collaboration isn’t just another internship. It’s a holistic development platform tailored to accelerate careers. Here’s what selected candidates can expect:
- Real-World Engineering Exposure
Interns will work on live projects, including national grid upgrades and civil infrastructure developments, gaining insights into high-stakes engineering challenges. - Mentorship from Industry Leaders
Participants will receive one-on-one coaching from NTDC veterans and ADB experts, helping them navigate technical and leadership hurdles. - Skill-Building Workshops
From project management to advanced software training, the program includes workshops to sharpen both technical and soft skills. - Financial Support
A monthly stipend of Rs. 10,000 ensures that financial constraints don’t hinder participation. - Networking Opportunities
Interns will connect with peers, professionals, and potential employers through dedicated events and forums.
Who Should Apply To NTDC? Eligibility Criteria Simplified
The Grid Girls program is casting a wide net to attract passionate candidates. Here’s who qualifies:
- Academic Background:
- Female students pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or DAE in Electrical, Electronics, or Civil Engineering.
- Recent graduates (within 1–2 years) from these disciplines.
- Experience:
- Prior internships or research projects in engineering (preferred but not mandatory).
- Commitment:
- Availability for a full-time internship (no overlapping academic commitments).
Note: TVET students in relevant fields are encouraged to apply for Cohort 2!
Internship Structure: Two Tracks, Endless Opportunities
The program offers two cohorts to accommodate different academic timelines:
Cohort 1: Deep-Dive into National Projects (2 Months)
- Eligibility: 3rd-year undergraduates (5th/6th semester) and Master’s students (1st/2nd semester).
- Focus: Hands-on roles in critical projects like grid stabilization and infrastructure design.
Cohort 2: Skill Accelerator (1 Month)
- Eligibility: Undergraduates from 2nd semester onward, including TVET students.
- Focus: Foundational training, site visits, and collaborative problem-solving exercises.
Both cohorts overlap, fostering peer learning and teamwork.
How to Apply: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to join the Grid Girls movement? Follow these steps:
- Prepare Your Documents:
- Updated CV.
- Academic transcripts.
- A 300-word statement explaining why you’re passionate about engineering.
- Submit Online:
Visit NTDC’s Careers Portal before June 1, 2025. - Shortlisting:
Only candidates selected for interviews will be notified via email.
Pro Tip: Highlight any robotics competitions, coding hackathons, or technical volunteer work in your application!
Why This Program Matters for Pakistan’s Future
Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure sectors are undergoing rapid transformation. By empowering women engineers, NTDC is addressing two critical needs:
- Economic Growth: Diverse teams drive innovation, a necessity for solving complex challenges like power distribution and urbanization.
- Social Progress: Closing the gender gap in STEM fields could boost Pakistan’s GDP by up to 30%, according to World Bank estimates.
Final Thoughts for NTDC: Seize the Opportunity
The Grid Girls Internship isn’t just a career launchpad — it’s a chance to be part of a movement reshaping Pakistan’s engineering landscape. For young women tired of being sidelined in technical roles, this is your moment to step into the spotlight.
“The grid isn’t just about power lines; it’s about powering potential,” says an ADB representative. “We’re thrilled to support a generation of women who’ll light up Pakistan’s future.”
Apply now and spark your engineering journey!
