Paf, the Åland-based gaming company, is set to continue its innovative tech education program, “grit:lab,” aimed at nurturing tech talent. With the application process scheduled for this winter and admissions to be finalized in the spring of 2024, the program is entering its third year.
Successful Inception:
Paf initiated the grit:lab program two years ago, and it has been met with resounding success. Currently, 60 students from 20 different countries are in the final year of the program. The positive response from students and stakeholders has fueled the decision to extend the education initiative.
Collaboration and Purpose:
grit:lab is a collaborative effort between Paf and Ålands Yrkesgymnasium, supported by the Government of Åland. The program aims to equip students with the skills required by the evolving job market, reflecting the ever-growing demand for tech-savvy professionals.
Anna-Lena Svenblad’s Perspective:
Anna-Lena Svenblad, Paf’s Development Director for Paf & Director of grit:lab, expressed enthusiasm for the program’s impact. She noted the positive response from students and visiting groups as evidence of the program’s relevance and necessity in today’s educational landscape.
Upcoming Application Cycle:
Applications for the upcoming grit:lab program will open in December 2023, with online tests available until February 2024. Successful candidates will commence their studies in the following autumn.
Daniela Johansson’s Vision:
Daniela Johansson, Paf’s Deputy CEO & Chief Responsibility Officer, emphasized that grit:lab serves as a valuable complement to traditional education. She highlighted the potential for Åland to become a tech hub in the Nordics, with Paf committed to driving this educational initiative forward.
Paf CTO Fredrik Wiklund’s Pride:
Fredrik Wiklund, Paf’s Chief Technology Officer, commended the progress made by tech students in the program. He cited examples of students who not only worked as summer trainees but also achieved certification in AWS cloud services during their time in grit:lab. This achievement underscores Paf’s pride in the program’s impact.
Paf’s ongoing commitment to grit:lab demonstrates its dedication to nurturing future tech talent and addressing the evolving demands of the job market. As the program enters its third year, it continues to serve as a valuable asset to students and the tech industry, positioning Åland as a prominent player in the Nordic tech landscape.