Recognising the value of an IT career

Information technology offers not only recognisable, professional career options, but also allows great flexibility in how and when you study to achieve your qualifications.

Despite these advantages, young people in Malta may still be viewing IT as a second best career option. IT should however be regarded on a par with traditional careers.

These were the key messages of yesterday week's Open Day at the Swatar Training Centre (STC) near Rabat.

An example of public-private partnership at its best, STC is a first in Malta in its approach to help students develop careers in IT. STC is backed by MITTS, the Government's IT consultancy, and Nucleus Training International Ltd, a collaborative venture comprising of 14 local IT firms, HSBC, Bank of Valletta and KnowledgePool, a global IT training company.

The involvement of the IT industry ensures that STC curricula reflect the latest in market developments. STC is therefore an important local focal point for people seriously contemplating a professional career in IT.

STC courses for industry professionals meet the exacting international standards of world leaders, such as CISCO, Microsoft and the UK's National Computing Centre (NCC).

"STC is among our finest partners," said Maria Sant'Agata of NCC Education (UK). "The centre takes great pride in its role in developing IT skills in the country.

"That STC has produced two high achievers in our European Awards marks it out as a centre of excellence in the region."

STC's annual open day is a practical demonstration of the centre's role in the community. Some 600 visitors participated in yesterday week's event, which was aimed at increasing awareness among prospective students of the value of an IT career.

A new component of this year's open day were two public seminars on key issues in the industry: gender and IT; and employment prospects.

'IT for All: Except Women' discussed the root causes of the small number of women in IT careers. "We need to debunk, from a very early age, the stereotypical view that IT is not for women," commented Mandy Mifsud, STC Business Development Executive. "This means looking at all media representation as well as encouraging more women to become IT teachers and trainers."

As to employment prospects, some 80 per cent of last year's STC Diploma students found jobs. That individuals commit themselves both in terms of time and finances to gain their qualifications is something STC is keenly aware of.

"We are not in business to hard sell our courses," said Patrick Pullicino, STC Director of Studies. "We take time to advise students on the most appropriate study options and level of qualification.

"STC's role is to be a complementary source of IT education on the islands."

This role was emphasised on the day by the director general at the Ministry of Education, Charles Mizzi, in his opening address.

"I fully appreciate the approach of STC in providing valuable training of IT industry professionals," he said. "STC operates to help many people who would not otherwise be able to attain professional achievement.

"STC's advantage lies in the flexibility of a study programme that can be tailored to its students' work-life commitments."

STC collaborates with the Ministry of Education in promoting IT careers by holding a series of talks to fifth formers at schools around the country.

For more information on STC courses for individuals and company training, contact Ms Mifsud at STC on tel: 2145-3200 or e-mail: mandym@stcmalta.com.