PRESS RELEASE

Announcing the Launch of "Metaverse School of Engineering” Promoting D&I and Developing DX Human Resources

 

The Graduate School of Engineering and Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo (Dean: Takao Someya) announces the launch of the "Metaverse School of Engineering" offering an education in the field of engineering utilizing digital technology with focus on realizing a society where the latest information and practical engineering skills to fulfil personal goals become available to all.

 

Fundamental changes in the industrial structure resulting from rapid technological development in recent years and the diversification of work styles have increased the demand, among people of various standing, to acquire the latest knowledge in the fields of engineering and informatics. While cutting-edge technologies are being created rapidly and value creation through data is advancing at an unprecedented pace, there is a critical shortage of DX human resources capable of envisioning the future society by utilizing data and technology. The purpose of the "Metaverse School of Engineering" is to provide opportunities to learn about engineering and information, and to cater to a large group of people in gathering information about possible careers in this field.

 

The “Metaverse School of Engineering” intends to provide a new learning environment and information about careers in engineering based on the basic concept of diversity and inclusion in the field of engineering. Our educational system is designed for people of every age, gender, position, and geography. We hope that our communication draws the interest of the underrepresented groups in the traditional engineering and information field, thereby accelerating the promotion of diversity in DX human resource development.

 

Major career information and educational programs offered by the Metaverse School of Engineering are:

(1) Comprehensive information site for engineering careers (Main target: junior high, high school students, and engineering students)
A comprehensive information website on engineering careers has been created to accelerate the promotion of diversity in the engineering field, including information on female engineering careers for which very few role models exist. Information from the perspective of the people involved in the field will be made available by means of campus visits, sharing simulated company entry experiences, and roundtable discussions.

 

(2) Junior Engineering Education Program (Main target: junior and senior high school students and their parents)
These are educational programs offered through industry and university collaboration to draw interest in the field of engineering and information at an early stage. Primarily targeting junior and senior high school students, our programs will combine online and in-person classes that introduce the engineering studies at universities and help the students explore careers after graduation through hands-on exercises such as product development and laboratory tours.

 

(3) Reskilling Engineering Education Program (Main target: working professionals and students)
Aiming to support relearning and reskilling of working professionals and students, the program includes online educational programs on the latest trends in engineering and information in artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship education, next-generation communication, and other fields. A variety of courses will be offered in sequence to meet the needs and levels of the participants, and a certificate of completion will be issued for each course.

 

The Metaverse School of Engineering will work in close cooperation with the industry and academia. We have begun accepting applications from corporate members who support our main objective. Additionally, to assimilate ideas from younger generations, we have organized "Tech Ambassadors" comprising students from the Faculty of Engineering and graduate students from the Graduate School of Engineering. Young industry members will join the activities as "Engineering Career Advisors. The "Reskilling Engineering Education Program" is scheduled to start in the second semester of the academic year 2022.

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