As part of the 2013/2014 academic year events, ICE Malta is acting as the local partner for Europe’s Code Week celebrated between November 25 and 30. The European Commission launched the initiative.
“All over Europe, computer programming is being heralded as the new literacy, yet it is still widely perceived as a skill that can only be mastered with a computer science degree; this is also the case in the Maltese islands. With the wider availability of internet connectivity and freely available, easy-to-use technologies, this is no longer the case. During this celebration week, we want to communicate that computer programming is a fun, creative way of making ideas happen,” commented Nikolai Sammut, director of ICE Malta.
The company said that despite the increasing importance of the digital sector, there is a projected shortfall of up to 900,000 ICT professionals in Europe by 2015. Technology start-ups, a future pillar of the European economy, are already facing a talent shortage, which is limiting their growth potential. It is vital to engage children at an early age, introduce computer programming as interesting, relevant and accessible, and use the free connectivity offered, he said.
As partners for this unique week of events, ICE Malta will be organising an information session with GFI’s software director of talent management who will meet ICE Malta students and coding enthusiasts to share experiences and discuss career opportunities.
www.icemalta.com