AI is becoming a bigger part of everyday life, and telecoms companies are looking at new ways to help young people understand and make the most of it.
From helping school pupils get to grips with AI to giving university students real-world experience, telecom companies are finding practical ways to build digital skills and prepare young people for a changing world of work.
Nokia
Nokia recently partnered with Elisa and Foundation PS to launch a new programme that will help pupils understand AI, how it works and how it affects the world around them.
As a result, students will learn how AI works, alongside its possibilities and limitations.
The programme uses the AI learning robot “Bella”, together with robotics, digital tools and teacher-led activities, to give pupils a safe and practical introduction to AI in line with Finnish education guidelines.
The scheme will be delivered with JA’s Yrityskylä and IchiZero Oy and is planned to launch in four centres across Finland from September 2026.
In its first year, the initiative aims to reach around 19,000 sixth-grade pupils and create a model that can later be expanded across Finland and internationally, Nokia revealed.
Nokia Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, Esa Niinimäki, said: “Co-creation across technology, education and research is essential to ensure that AI is used safely and for the benefit of society.
“This program exemplifies how AI can be introduced in schools in a structured and responsible way and demonstrates of Nokia’s approach to bridging the digital divide together with our customers and other partners, in this instance through digital skill building”
BT Group
BT Group, runs its Work Ready programme for students aged 11 to 14, which introduces them to AI and helps them understand both the opportunities and the risks.
Alongside educators, the scheme aims to help students build the practical, technical and people skills they need to thrive in a digital career.
Ericsson
Recently, Ericsson partnered with UNIE University, part of Planeta Formación y Universidades, to support a new Master of Science (MSc) in AI and Deep Learning.
The programme is due to launch in October 2026, with Ericsson joining as an industrial partner.
The partnership is aimed at giving students a better understanding of how AI is being used in the real world, particularly in the telecoms industry. Ericsson will work with the university to help connect academic learning with practical industry experience.
Juan Olivera, President of Ericsson Spain, said: “AI is not just a technology trend. It is the defining force of our industry’s future. At Ericsson, we are already embedding AI into the critical processes and systems of mobile networks, while simultaneously building the next generation of networks to carry massive AI traffic at scale.
“Partnerships like this one with UNIE Universidad are essential to ensuring the talent ecosystem keeps pace with that ambition”.
