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Empowering Women Engineers: The Launch of WAKE Skill

In a rapidly evolving AI landscape, it's crucial for professionals to develop additional skills beyond technical expertise. To support this need, bgrass Inc., located in Shibuya, Tokyo, has launched
WAKE Skill, a reskilling and career support service tailored specifically for women engineers. The program focuses on teaching skills that are increasingly necessary in the AI era, such as problem-solving, design thinking, a business perspective, and leadership.

Why is WAKE Skill Important Now?

The demands on engineers are changing significantly due to advancements in generative AI. In today's world, it is not enough to simply know how to code; engineers are now expected to consider what to create and how to add value to their creations. As a result, the skills needed for success have expanded beyond technical ability to include design skills, communication skills, and the ability to lead teams — what we refer to as essential “plus alpha” skills.

The current shift represents a critical transition period where everyone is challenged to rethink their approach. In this AI-enhanced development environment, speed in implementation and competition for skills are important, but so are higher-level decisions about what to create and how to deliver it to society.

Unfortunately, opportunities for women engineers to acquire these advanced skills have been limited, and societal factors often hold them back from taking leadership roles.

Insights from the Women Engineer Hackathon

In a recent event organized by bgrass, titled “Generative AI x Solving Social Issues Hackathon,” over 80 women engineers participated, working in teams to develop over 30 products. Among the insights gained was the observation that many women engineers, while hesitant in leadership roles and design tasks within their teams, showed a strong willingness to challenge themselves in new capacities. Many expressed a desire for more experiences and the fundamental skills necessary to deliver social value.

This indicated that women engineers already possess high levels of skill and motivation, leading to the establishment of WAKE Skill.

Three Key Opportunities Offered by WAKE Skill

WAKE Skill provides three distinct opportunities aimed at empowering women engineers to develop essential “plus alpha” skills:

1. Leadership Training and Unlimited Access to Technical Content: Women engineers can access a wide range of training sessions and technical content, including AI utilization. This program includes eight online lectures, learning support, and a complimentary one-on-one session with another female engineer.

- Cost: 55,000 yen (27,500 yen with subsidies)

2. One-on-One Sessions with Female Engineers: Members can engage with more than 20 experienced women engineers for guidance on career paths, technical challenges, or just a general chat.

- Cost: 2,200 yen per session

3. MVP Development Course: Participants ideate around user issues and create Minimum Viable Products (MVP), focusing on design, development, and user testing.

- Cost: 220,000 yen (details coming soon)

Curriculum Focused on Essential Skills

WAKE Skill aims to cultivate engineers who can identify problems, design solutions with a business mindset, develop quickly using AI, and lead teams effectively. Curated practical curriculums are being released to support women engineers as they become value-generating professionals.

Key learning areas include:

• - Problem-Solving Skills: Develop upstream design skills that help students engage with the “why” behind their projects, rather than merely responding to requests.
• - AI Utilization: Enhance implementation capabilities and speed through the use of generative AI.
• - Business Mindset: Learn to align product designs with business outcomes, focusing on value, profitability, and user experience.
• - Leadership and Ownership: Master the skills needed to motivate and guide teams in executing designs.

The first course launched is aimed at developing leadership skills among female engineers.

Leadership Training Overview

The leadership program is designed to teach practical leadership skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace. Many engineers find themselves struggling with project management and team leadership opportunities. The WAKE Skill leadership training addresses this by providing systematic learning opportunities on teamwork and negotiation through an eight-part series, accessible anytime via video.

One-on-One Sessions with Women Engineers

WAKE Skill connects participants with a diverse group of over 20 women engineers, mentors who can provide insights and support in various areas, from career advice to technical queries. This facilitates a supportive space where mentees can explore their potential and find inspiration from role models in their field.

Future Prospects and Commitment

WAKE Skill strives not just to impart technical knowledge but to foster a new generation of women engineers equipped to address challenges and drive change. We envision our graduates taking on crucial roles in not just development but also in leadership, project management, and business strategy, fundamentally transforming the IT industry.

About bgrass Inc.

bgrass Inc. is focused on empowering women in IT. With a vision to create a world where everyone can freely pursue their aspirations without bias, they offer services aimed at bridging the gender gap in technology. The company’s headquarters is located in Shibuya, Tokyo, and they are committed to fostering environments where female engineers can thrive.

As the tech landscape continues to evolve, WAKE Skill stands out as a unique opportunity for women engineers to gain the skills needed to succeed.