Launch of the Malta ICT Skills Audit 2017 – Building Malta’ Tech Talent Pipeline

• April 26, 2017
• admin

On 26th April 2017 eSkills Malta Foundation launched the Malta ICT Skills Audit 2017. The eSkills Malta Foundation is entrusted with a number of mandates by the Government in relation to digital skills. These objectives are very much in line with EU recommendations about the target areas that each EU country should focus on to improve the expansion of digital skills in their own country. One of the important pillars of these objectives is to lead an ICT Professionalism development programme.

The Foundation recognises this important requirement, which is felt not only locally but also by all European countries. Furthermore the knowledge and skills attained by students and employees must match the skills required by the industry. In this respect the eSkills Malta Foundation presented to stakeholders the ICT Skills Audit 2017, which encompasses the skills required by the ICT Industry and the provision of education, carried out in collaboration with FastTrack into Information Technology (FIT) from Ireland.

The launch took place at the MITA Data Centre Sta Venera. Hon Minister Dr E Mallia, Minister for Competitiveness and Digital, Maritime and Services and Hon Minister Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and Employment were present during the event.

Minister Mallia highlighted the fact that the required skills of the industry must be regularly monitored and whether these skills are being met in our country. He added that matching the skills gap is not easy but this study should help in identifying specific ICT industry skills and competences required by the country. The ICT Skills Audit gives some important recommendations, and that it is highly suggested that these are given their due importance. The success of this plan should be monitored as we progress so that it is adjusted to the Malta’s needs.

Minister Bartolo said that Education and training must work together with the industry to find ways to bridge the gap as much as possible. This could be by way of change in curriculums, and change in the way individuals proceeds during their studies, for example by using an apprenticeship scheme or industry placement. Importance must be given to skills that are not only complimentary but essential for persons working in the ICT. These are the usual soft skills, team working, computational thinking skills and leadership skills.