eSkills Week to highlight careers in ICT

Never has ICT know-how been more important than it is today. From the way we communicate with friends and family across the globe, to the skills that will secure us jobs in the future, these days it’s impossible to overlook technology, whether at home or work.

As a result, the eSkills Alliance, a coalition between MITA (the Malta Information Technology Agency) and local industry in general, is organising an eSkills Week between March 26 and 30.

“This jam-packed few days of activities and events will highlight the importance of technological knowledge for the future,” explained Fabianne Ruggier, executive secretary of the eSkills Alliance.

“It will enlighten students and parents, as well as the general public, on how best to develop their skills in this area. After all, e-skills are now required across so many different jobs and industries, including the media, ICT, education, medical sciences and tourism.”

There will be a variety of events on the go, each targeting different demographics. This is the programme:

Standards for iTalent as a tool for ICT career counselling, March 27, 9 a.m. to 12.45 p.m. @ MITA 01 (the new MITA premises in Santa Venera This talk, aimed at teachers and careers counsellors, will provide information on how the Standards for iTalent can be used, as well as the benefits that these give to students when making a career choice. A presentation will be given by a company that has utilised the Standards already, which will include a live demonstration.

Nurturing the local ICT industry and ICT workforce, March 28, 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. @ MITA 01: This workshop will look at feedback from the six pilot companies now using the new occupational standards as part of their HR practices. The aim of the workshop is to encourage an open discussion regarding what’s working and what’s not working from the use of the Standards.

Investing in our Students’ Potential, March 28, 9.30 a.m.to 11.30 a.m. @ San Andrea School: During this talk, MITA and other ICT industry professionals will highlight some careers in ICT, as well as the skills required to pursue them. This event is open to both parents and students.

Social Media, Business Media and Data-Driven Careers, March 28, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. @ MITA 1: This networking event will provide young people between the ages of 16 and 25 with information on the ICT sector. It will highlight social media, business media and data-focused careers, and will include a visit to the data centre within the new MITA building.

My Brighter Future, March 29, morning, @ Blata l-Bajda Girls Junior Lyceum: This talk will focus on the post-secondary educational pathways towards ICT careers for girls, and will include a talk by representatives from the University of Malta on the courses available across various institutes.

eSkills and eCareers open day powered by MITA, March 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. @ MITA 01: Students have been invited to the open day from MCAST and the University of Malta, and each will have the opportunity to meet with ICT professionals as part of a variety of activities, talks and networking events being held throughout the day.

Beyond the events of eSkills Week, numerous other related activities will be held in 2012. More information is available at www.mita.gov.mt.