University of Suffolk students are set to benefit from free training in 5G that will help boost their IT career prospects thanks to a tie-up with world-leading 5G firm Qualcomm Technologies.

The University has become the first Qualcomm Academy partner in the UK, which will see at least 50 students per year enjoy training from industry leading engineers in the latest 5G technologies.

The global expansion of 5G means demand for IT professionals with those skills is set to increase and the training will help bolster the CVs of Suffolk graduates.

The Qualcomm Academy 5G University Program will offer students two introductory level courses – 5G Primer, and Fundamentals of Cellular Communication and 5G. Students who complete both courses can sign up for a 5G Introductory Level Certification exam, with those who pass receiving a Qualcomm Technologies 5G Certificate.

Students who pass the certification exam will have their Qualcomm candidate profile tagged as having passed the exam, possibly giving them a leg up if they choose to apply for a position with Qualcomm.

It is the latest measure the University has introduced to help boost the career prospects of students. 

The University was ranked fifth out of 81 universities in the 2023 Whatuni Student Choice Awards for career prospects, and featured in the top 20 in the UK for graduate prospects in the Times Good University Guide 2024.

Chris Janes, Head of Technology at the University of Suffolk, said: "The course team is constantly seeking methods to ensure our students remain at the forefront of their fields and are well-prepared upon graduation.

"Collaborating with the Qualcomm Academy presents a wide array of prospects for our students to enhance their knowledge of the innovative opportunities that 5G technologies offer. It also enables them to further develop the concepts they have studied throughout their education."

Vikram Malhotra, Senior Director of Program Management at Qualcomm Technologies Inc. and head of Qualcomm Academy, said: "We are thrilled to work with the University of Suffolk to train students on the latest 5G technologies.

"Training top students to excel in the wireless field is one of our highest priorities and we are thankful to be working with the University of Suffolk on this crucial initiative."

Find out more about Qualcomm Academy by visiting the website here: Qualcomm Academy