A 5G education for tomorrow's tech innovators
The Ericsson Educate: 5G University program made its debut in Bulgaria in collaboration with the Technical University of Sofia in 2022, and today is being offered by three universities and institutions across Europe and Latin America.
The 5G University program is not just an educational initiative; it is a career shaping opportunity for students like Ivalina, a graduate of the Technical University of Sofia who is now developing groundbreaking 5G solutions for the European Space Agency. “Participating in the 5G University program has given me the digital skills necessary to advance my career in this connected world, and it's also a really good foundation to continue on that path for me and for any students like me,” explains Ivalina, whose journey is a testament to the transformative power of digital education for personal and societal progress.
The 5G University program is Ericsson’s flagship initiative to cultivating a 5G-ready workforce. Through partnerships with academic institutions like the Technical University of Sofia, the company offers a comprehensive 64-hour training program targeted at academic professors and trainers, covering vital aspects of 5G technology.
As the Head of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility for Europe and Latin America, Louise has been instrumental in bringing the 5G University program to students across these regions. She believes that technology has the potential to massively impact lives and society, but to reap the maximum benefits, it's essential that people understand how it works. “Our commitment to 5G leadership extends beyond our pioneering solutions; it is about disseminating our knowledge and expertise into communities to forge a digitally inclusive future. By initiating this program in such dynamic environments like universities, we are demonstrating how public-private partnerships can address skill gaps and foster environments that are conducive to innovation and digital transformation.”
It is a sentiment shared by Professor Ilia Iliev, Dean of the Faculty of Telecommunications at Technical University of Sofia: “We are delighted to partner with Ericsson to address the existing skill gaps and prepare the students to be 5G-ready so that they can play a positive role in driving the digital economy. The goal of this program is to help students to understand in depth the impact of 5G on business, processes, competencies, and models as well as the socio-techno-economic paradigm.“
From 5G Classrooms to Space Missions
The tangible benefits of the 5G University program are demonstrated by the journey of Ivalina, a young woman whose aspirations have reached the stars—quite literally. After participating in the 5G University program, Ivalina secured a position at the European Space Agency, working on integrating 5G with satellite technology. Her success story echoes the core objective of the initiative: to provide students with the necessary knowledge and digital skills for their career aspirations, and to inspire a new generation of 5G innovators across various fields.
Ivalina’s story is a powerful testament of the value of a 5G education. Reflecting on her experience, she shares, “When my master's degree and the course ended, I had a very clear vision of where I want to go. That direction was space. I had found this position in the European Space Agency as a young graduate trainee, which was called space for 5G, 6G, and virtual reality solutions. I just decided, yes, this is exactly what I needed and the 5G education that I gained was the key to get to that point.”
Ivalina’s role is multifaceted and groundbreaking, which sees her participating in cutting-edge research and development of satellite-integrated 5G services and engaging with a wide pool of stakeholders in industry standardization activities. It showcases the breadth of opportunities that a 5G education can unlock for students like Ivalina who are driven by curiosity and a desire to contribute new innovations to their fields.
Camilla Järvall has observed first-hand the introduction of the 5G University program in Bulgaria, and the impact it has had on development of students that have participated: “Ericsson has been present and a part of Bulgaria's journey towards digitalization for three decades, and now we are taking the next step by sharing our 5G knowledge with the upcoming generation of industry professionals. A digital education is not just about imparting technical knowledge; it plays a crucial role in narrowing the digital divide, laying the groundwork for sustainable progress, and empowering young minds with the digital skills needed for tomorrow’s challenges.”
A global commitment to bettering society
Ericsson believes that the future of digital innovation is dependent on the digital skills and insights of the next generation. Ericsson’s digital education program Connect To Learn aims to address this challenge head-on and has a clear mission: to help bridge the digital divide and improve lives by giving access to meaningful connectivity and inclusive quality education.
The story of Ivalina is just one among many, yet it highlights the profound influence a digital education has on individual lives and, by extension, on the communities and economies they will go on to shape. Ericsson believes in the transformative power of education and remains committed to advancing digital literacy across the globe, to cultivate a world that is more connected, knowledgeable, and prepared for the future. After all, every step toward educating the next generation is a step closer to a more inclusive and sustainable digital society—one where innovation flourishes, and opportunities are accessible for all.
Learn more about Ericsson’s digital education program Connect To Learn here.
