Over the past semester, the eSkills Malta Foundation and the National School Support Services successfully coordinated twelve industry visits for 9th year old students around twelve government schools to provide the possibility for students to learn about Information and Communication Technology (ICT). These visits were carefully designed to show students the different jobs they can do in this field and what opportunities there are in an organisation. The participating schools were: the Secondary School of Żejtun and Santa Lucija, part of St. Thomas More College, the two Mosta Secondary Schools which form part of Maria Regina College, Pembroke Secondary School which is part of St Clara’s College, Dingli Secondary School which is part of St Nicholas College, the Imrieħel Secondary School is part of St Teresa College, Hamrun Secondary School which is part of St George Preca College, Kirkop Secondary School which is part of St Benedict’s College, Verdala Secondary School, part of St Margarita College, Handaq Secondary School which is part of St Ignatius College, and Rabat Secondary School which is part of Gozo College. These visits were carefully designed to show students the different jobs they can do in this field and what opportunities there are in an organisation.
During these visits, students looked at how each company works and what makes them unique. Some were large companies, while others were smaller. The main aim of these visits was to help students see how the things they learn in the classroom are used in real life. They also met with workers working in these companies. These workers talked to the students about their employment and advised them how to start their careers. These visits helped students learn about different jobs in ICT and brought them excited about working in this field. In addition, through these visits, students started a relationship with ICT industry professionals. These interactions inspired students to follow their passions and provided them with valuable mentorship and guidance as they navigate their future career paths. This has been made possible thanks to all the companies that collaborated in this initiative.
These industry visits provided students with insights into the diverse and vibrant field of ICT, covering software development, telecommunications, networking, virtual reality, server technologies, proactive alerts, and IT consultancy. In today’s digital world, the importance of ICT education is never enough. As technology advances, the demand for digitally skilled individuals becomes increasingly important. By providing students with opportunities to explore the first-hand ICT industry, we are not only preparing them for future careers but also equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a changing technological landscape. These industry visits exposed students to a wide range of subjects and career traits in this field, and further highlighted the significance of ICT education.
The impact of these industry visits is profound, reaching far beyond the classroom. These visits are catalysts for personal and professional growth, encouraging students to exploit their full potential and choose rewarding ICT careers. This success is due to our partner companies, whose support and commitment to foster the next generation of digital leaders are invaluable. Together, we are shaping the future of technology and empowering students to thrive in an increasingly digital world. As we continue to sustain our commitment to provide inclusive education, such experiential learning initiatives will remain integral to our mission to foster the next generation of ICT industry leaders.
Source: European Digital Skills & Jobs Platform
