BeTechConnected hosts media soiree ahead of Future of Work 2.0 event

BeTechConnected Hosts Future of Work 2.0 Media Soiree to Bridge Academia and Industry

BeTechConnected, a tech-driven social enterprise dedicated to closing the gap between academia and industry through training and mentorship, hosted the Future of Work 2.0 media soiree last weekend.

Held at the ALX Hub at One Airport Square, Airport City, the event provided an opportunity for participants to gain insights into the initiative’s mission, objectives, and exciting opportunities.

With the theme “Academia and Industry: The Variance Between the Current University Curriculum and the Demands of Industry,” the event highlighted the critical link between academic institutions—particularly universities—and the evolving job market.

Akosua Osei, Project Lead for Future of Work 2.0, emphasized the challenges university graduates face in adapting to today’s fast-paced job landscape. She pointed out that many students complete their education without adequate preparation for the workforce, making it difficult for them to transition into global tech roles.

“We believe that after training, individuals need nurturing. Many people receive training but struggle to take the next step or find opportunities. Beyond institutions providing knowledge, individuals must also take ownership of their career development and global aspirations,” she stated.

The event featured key players from the technology, academia, and soft skills development sectors, sharing valuable insights, practical skills, and opportunities with students and young professionals.

Ama Sackey, Marketing Manager at ALX, underscored ALX’s commitment to training three million young Africans, a driving force behind their partnership with Future of Work 2.0.

“By 2030, we aim to impact three million young Africans. We want to shape the future together, ensuring that young people leverage technology for transformation instead of facing uncertainty,” she said.

Similarly, Vittoria Paolino, Operations Manager at Turntabl, reinforced the importance of training, upskilling, and connecting software engineers to global opportunities. She highlighted the need to position Ghana as a leading hub for tech talent.

“Turntabl provides an excellent platform for Ghanaian talent to showcase their skills, build global networks, and elevate the country’s reputation in the tech industry. The goal is to demonstrate what young Ghanaian professionals can achieve when they are truly ‘BeTechConnected’ with the world,” she noted.

Martin Kwame Awagah, President of the Ghana Fintech & Payments Association, stressed the need for workplace adaptation and curriculum updates to align with emerging trends.

“My background is in economics, but as I witnessed the rise of emerging technologies and AI, I knew I had to adapt. The world is changing rapidly, and technology must be integrated into all university courses,” he remarked.

With over 500+ participants from Future of Work 1.0 and an impressive lineup of industry experts, Future of Work 2.0 seeks to deepen conversations around:

• Raising awareness of the future of work

• Training and upskilling African youth for emerging fields

• Advocating for curriculum adjustments to meet industry demands

• Promoting inclusivity in shaping better career opportunities

The Future of Work 2.0 event is scheduled for March 21st and 22nd, 2025, at 9:30 AM at R.S. Amegahsie Hall, University of Ghana Business School. This event aims to be a significant assembly, providing students and young professionals with the resources, insights, and connections necessary to thrive in the changing work environment.