Training that meets industry's requirements

Swatar Training Centre (STC), a leading ICT training institute, recently held its annual Open Day to put students in direct contact with prospective employers.

The event also enabled students to gain a greater understanding of their career options as well as the qualifications that the ICT industry is seeking. About 10 IT companies took part at the open day, which was held at the centre in Pembroke.

"Students need to find out directly from the industry what is required in terms of solid qualifications as well as soft skills. The ICT industry is constantly changing, so students need to be in tune to succeed," said STC CEO Patrick Pullicino.

STC works hand in hand with the industry to ensure it equips students with both the academic and practical skills needed.

"Locally, we speak to major companies so can truly understand what employers need. Our training courses are accredited by global leaders in the industry, which means that students gain a passport to careers in the sector, wherever they chose to work," Mr Pullicino said.

STC offers industry-standard qualifications from CISCO and Microsoft. The training centre is an accredited National Computing Centre (NCC) education training provider. NCC is the world's leading independent provider of vendor-neutral IT training. STC training also offers stand-alone industry modules as well as a three-year framework of study leading to a B.Sc (Hons) degree conferred by London Metropolitan University.

Alex Attard, CEO of MITTS, the government's ICT services and project management provider, who was on the panel of speakers launching the day, said flexibility was the key to success in pursuing a career in the sector.

"ICT training needs to be seen as a journey, not a destination. The industry is so fast-moving that it needs people who are able to understand the bigger picture. MITTS, for example, offers some 25 distinct services, some of which overlap. To be effective, we need people who can multi-task as it were in the ICT industry. Whether working in the public or private sector, ICT professionals in Malta need to understand business imperatives, not just their own niches."

CCBill, one of the largest employers of IT people in Malta, concurred, saying that they sought people who could demonstrate they understood the real-world needs of the industry.

"Our feedback from the students is that they have a good grasp of the realities of the workplace and not just the academic theory," Adrian Camilleri from CCBill said.

STC is running three-month summer programmes for adults and young people leading to CISCO IT Essentials I and II certification. The young students' course is open to students aged 13 and over, who wish to gain a valuable, entry-level qualification as well as enjoy an extra-curricular social programme.

For more information call the training centre on 2145 3200, e-mail info@stcmalta.com or visit www.stcmalta.com.