Digital Careers School Visits

• November 17, 2022
• admin

Origin and Objectives
The initiative in question revolves around strategically targeting school visits to children at an age where they possess the cognitive capacity to comprehend discussions about potential career paths while still having ample time to explore and decide on a relevant subject that aligns with a future in the digital realm. The primary objective is to inspire and guide these students toward pursuing careers in the digital industry. The approach involves tailoring talks to emphasize the benefits of a digital career, providing tangible examples of employment opportunities, and dispelling the misconception that digital is synonymous only with coding. Instead, the talks showcase a spectrum of roles within the digital landscape, illustrating that numerical competencies vary across different positions.

Exemplary Practices Unveiled
The collaborative effort between the eSkills Malta Foundation and the Ministry of Education materialized in the form of school visits meticulously organized for students reaching the culmination of their compulsory education. The core focus of these visits was to equip students with a roadmap outlining essential milestones on their journey toward a career in the digital sector. The talks, facilitated by personnel from the eSkills Malta Foundation, carried a dual purpose: to make a compelling case for choosing a career in the digital sphere and to provide a comprehensive overview of well-established and emerging digital industries.

The thematic landscape covered during these talks spanned a diverse array, encompassing eCommerce, robotics, distributed ledger technology, artificial intelligence, and more. This expansive approach was deliberate, aimed at broadening students’ perspectives and steering them toward academic fields that align with their interests and the evolving demands of the digital workforce. Importantly, the talks went beyond the stereotypical association of digital careers with coding by illuminating roles that require varying levels of numerical literacy.
The discourse ventured into the intricacies of potential occupations, presenting concrete examples such as Developer, ICT Security Specialist, and Project Manager. The talks intelligently correlated these roles with the corresponding qualifications necessary for pursuing each career path. This nuanced approach not only demystified the digital landscape but also provided practical guidance for students to navigate their educational journey with a clear focus on their desired roles in the industry.
Beyond technical skills, the talks underscored the importance of cultivating soft skills. Students were reminded that alongside formal studies, skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are integral components of a well-rounded preparation for a successful career in the digital sector. This emphasis on holistic development acknowledges that proficiency in technical domains alone does not guarantee success; instead, a combination of technical expertise and soft skills forms a formidable foundation for sustained growth in the dynamic digital landscape.

A Year-Long Impact
The duration of these school visits extended over the entire scholastic year, encompassing fifteen impactful talks delivered to diverse government schools in Malta. This comprehensive coverage ensures that a broad spectrum of students, regardless of their educational backgrounds or geographical locations, benefited from the insights and guidance provided during these sessions. The continuity of the program over an extended period allows for a sustained impact, fostering a culture of awareness and preparation for digital careers among students.
In essence, this initiative emerges as a model of good practice by addressing the critical juncture in students’ educational journeys and providing them with the knowledge, motivation, and practical guidance needed to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape. Through a well-structured and inclusive approach, the eSkills Malta Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, lays the groundwork for a future workforce well-equipped to thrive in the digital age.