Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), a global leader in telecommunications, has announced the launch of its groundbreaking ‘EricssonEdge Academia Program,’ aimed at transforming early career talent development in the telecom sector across Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India.
The program is designed to equip young professionals with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry, where 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving technological advancements and reshaping the telecommunications landscape.
With technology-related roles consistently ranked among the fastest-growing occupations worldwide, Ericsson’s initiative seeks to bridge the skills gap and prepare the next generation of telecom professionals.
According to the company’s press release, the EricssonEdge Academia Program targets pre-final year students from over 40 top universities across India, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, and the Philippines, offering them a comprehensive six-month curriculum focused on 5G, cloud, and AI technologies.
At the just-concluded “Imagine Live 2024” roadshow held in the Philippines, the company also showcased its cutting-edge 5G technology solutions designed to accelerate the country’s digital transformation. The event, held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati, provided an immersive experience on how 5G will drive the digitalization of both consumers and enterprises, thus positioning the Philippines for sustained economic growth in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Ericsson: Offering a blended learning experience
The EricssonEdge Academia Program is structured to deliver a dynamic blend of in-person, instructor-led sessions led by Ericsson’s industry experts, coupled with web-based learning modules.
The first two months of the program focus on hands-on, face-to-face instruction, allowing students to directly engage with experienced professionals who bring real-world knowledge into the classroom.
In the following months, participants will complete a series of web-based modules designed to deepen their understanding of cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of telecommunications.
To ensure continuous progress and mastery of the subjects, regular assessments will be conducted throughout the course. These assessments will not only measure students’ understanding but also help them apply their learnings in real-world scenarios.
The goal is to create a robust foundation of technical expertise, enabling students to emerge as skilled professionals prepared to lead in the telecom sector.
Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible for consideration for Ericsson’s Graduate Recruitment Program, which offers further opportunities to join the company’s workforce across Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India.
Bridging academia and industry
Priyanka Anand, Vice President and Head of People for Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India at Ericsson, emphasized the significance of the EricssonEdge Academia Program in fostering collaboration between the academic and industrial sectors.
“The EricssonEdge Academia Program exemplifies how the industry can collaborate with academia to develop the next generation of telecom professionals. By equipping students with the skills they need to succeed, we are not only enhancing their career prospects but also ensuring the continued advancement and competitiveness of the industry,” she said.
Anand also shared that this latest initiative will benefit the students and strengthen the entire telecom ecosystem. The skills imparted through the program will enhance employability while driving innovation and competitiveness within the industry.
By offering direct exposure to industry leaders and access to the company’s educational content, the program is laying the groundwork for a future-ready workforce that will be crucial to advancing telecom infrastructure and services.
Shaping the future of ICT talent
In addition to technical skills, the EricssonEdge Academia Program fosters innovation and nurtures a passion for technology among students.
“We are committed to shaping the future of ICT talent by engaging with students in their academic journey,” Anand added. “The program sparks curiosity, drives innovation, and ignites a passion for technology.”
As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve, companies like Ericsson recognize the importance of building a pipeline of skilled talent ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
The EricssonEdge Academia Program not only empowers students with cutting-edge knowledge but also ensures that the telecom industry remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
Impact on the broader telecom ecosystem
The introduction of the EricssonEdge Academia Program represents a strategic investment in the future of the telecommunications industry.
As emerging technologies like 5G, AI, and IoT continue to shape the digital landscape, the need for skilled professionals with expertise in these areas is more crucial than ever.
Ericsson’s initiative is expected to play a key role in preparing young talent to take on leadership roles and drive future innovation in the sector.
By aligning educational efforts with industry needs, Ericsson is not only advancing the capabilities of individual students but also contributing to the long-term growth and competitiveness of the telecom ecosystem across Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India.
Through the EricssonEdge Academia Program, the company is reinforcing its commitment to building a sustainable, future-proof telecom workforce, ready to drive the digital revolution forward.