World Youth Day: Role of Youth in Telecom and Technology

The role of youth in revolutionizing the telecom industry is significant and cannot be understated. Young people have been at the forefront of technological advancements and are often early adopters of new communication technologies.

July 15th is celebrated as World Youth Skills Day to recognize the importance of empowering young individuals with essential skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and holistic development. In an era marked by rapid technological evolution and shifting economic landscapes, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of skill development and its transformative potential for the youth.

Mr. Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services, a fast-growing global technology and digital talent solutions provider said , "World Youth Skills Day highlights the urgency to invest in youth skill development. Today's global landscape is driven by rapid digital transformation, changing consumer behavior, and evolving economic structures. In this digital era, technological literacy is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Bridging the skills gap becomes crucial to empower young people and reduce youth unemployment in the face of these changes.

Skilling plays a pivotal role in unleashing the untapped potential of young individuals. By acquiring pertinent skills, youth can significantly improve their employment prospects, adapt effectively to dynamic job markets, and contribute to overall economic growth. Moreover, skill development nurtures confidence, self-sufficiency, and a sense of purpose among young people, enabling them to navigate real-life challenges with ease and efficiency.

In terms of desired skills, artificial intelligence & machine learning, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and blockchain are increasingly sought-after in the age of digital technology. Automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence are transforming industries, creating new jobs while rendering some traditional roles obsolete. It is crucial for young people to be prepared to embrace these technologies and adapt to the changing nature of work.

While hard skills will continue to shape the future of work, it is important to strike a balance by nurturing soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. These skills enable individuals to adapt to changing circumstances and navigate complex socioeconomic environments.

Creating dynamic roles for young professionals to learn and develop is vital.

Collaboration between educational institutions, governments, and the private sector is imperative to design and implement comprehensive skilling programs. These programs should focus on technical and soft skills, provide hands-on training, and offer opportunities for internships and apprenticeships. Lifelong learning should be promoted as a means to adapt to evolving industry needs and encourage continuous upskilling and reskilling.

Organizations have a significant role to play in skilling youth. Through collaboration, curriculum design, apprenticeships, mentorship programs, and active participation in career development initiatives, organizations contribute to equipping young individuals with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience they need to succeed in the job market. Together, we can create an environment that fosters skill development and empowers the youth to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Youth are known for their enthusiasm and creativity in adopting and developing new technologies. They are often the ones who come up with innovative ideas and solutions that can transform the telecom industry. Young entrepreneurs and developers are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible, creating new applications, services, and platforms that enhance communication and connectivity.

The youth are often referred to as "digital natives" because they have grown up with technology and are more comfortable using it than previous generations. Their familiarity with digital devices, social media, and internet-based communication gives them unique insights into the needs and preferences of their generation. This understanding enables them to develop and promote telecom services that cater specifically to the demands of young consumers.

Just like every new technology comes with new opportunites, the introduction of 5G technology in India opens up numerous opportunities for the youth across various sectors.

The widesperead deployment of 5G infrastructure will create a demand for skilled professionals in areas such as network engineering, cybersecurity, data analytics, software development, and artificial intelligence. This presents a significant opportunity for young graduates and professionals to acquire the necessary skills and secure employment in the rapidly evolving telecom industry.

5G technology will enable the development of new applications, services, and business models. Youth entrepreneurs and innovators can leverage the high-speed, low-latency, and massive connectivity provided by 5G to create disruptive solutions in areas like Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), smart cities, autonomous vehicles, healthcare, and e-commerce. This technology-driven innovation can lead to the establishment of new startups and businesses, offering opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

The advent of 5G is expected to boost online commerce and digital services, providing opportunities for young professionals in areas like e-commerce platforms, digital marketing, logistics, supply chain management, and customer experience management. As more consumers shift towards online shopping and digital transactions, there will be a need for skilled individuals who can drive and manage these digital platforms.

5G technology is still evolving, and there is ample scope for research and development (R&D) activities. Young researchers and scientists can contribute to advancing 5G capabilities, exploring new use cases, developing innovative algorithms, and improving network efficiency and security. Government research institutes, private companies, and academic institutions may provide opportunities for young individuals to contribute to 5G-related R&D projects.

As 5G is a relatively new technology, there is a need for skilled professionals who understand its intricacies and can work with the latest equipment and protocols. Young individuals can take advantage of training programs, certifications, and workshops to upskill themselves in 5G-related domains. This can enhance their employability and open doors to exciting career opportunities in the telecom sector.

To maximize these opportunities, it is crucial for the youth to stay updated with the latest trends and developments in 5G technology, actively engage in relevant training and skill-building activities, and remain adaptable to the evolving needs of the industry. Additionally, fostering collaboration, networking, and knowledge-sharing within the 5G ecosystem can further amplify the opportunities available to the youth in India.

NLB Services also highlighted on the Top 5 tech skills and the expected demand in the next 2-3 years.

Top 5 tech skills and the expected demand in the next 2-3 years