YouthSpark Live, a joint Microsoft and Aiesec event for 50 ICT students from Mcast at the Microsoft Innovation Centre, featured a day of workshops on creative thinking, the importance of IT to increase em­ployability, careers on offer in the IT sector and the opportunities available for young entrepreneurs.

The event also served as a platform for the signing of a memorandum of understanding bet­ween Microsoft and Aiesec. The purpose of the memorandum is to formalise a framework of collaboration between the two entities to promote, evaluate, implement and participate in the programmes, training, resources and technological tools that form part of YouthSpark initiatives. The MOU was signed between Adrianna Zammit, country manager Cyprus and Malta, and Elizabeth Pulo, national business development manager of Aiesec Malta in the presence of Education Minister Evarist Bartolo.

“We are delighted with this opportunity. Microsoft YouthSpark and Aiesec share the same objectives. The first YouthSpark live event last April was the start of a collaboration and it was only natural to cement our commitment to work together in delivering local programmes and events through this MOU,” said Ms Zammit.

Gege Gatt, director for strategy and business development at Icon, spoke about Careers in Technology. He said Icon felt passionately about helping young people find and capture a career in technology. “In this regard, we are entirely aligned with Micro­soft’s vision to close the digital divide and help young people explore the interesting opportunities in the ICT industry.”

Misco’s HR consultant and trainer Maria Zahra delivered a presentation about careers and employability. “Misco has always aimed at supporting the younger generation who do not yet have a taste of the world of work. An event like this broadens the horizons for ICT students to understand what is going on in the job market and how they can become well-equipped with the necessary soft skills to succeed in their job. It is exciting to see the younger generation take an active role in their future.”

In its support towards innovation and competitiveness, Micro­soft’s aim is to promote technology as a catalyst for progress on key societal challenges with government, partners, organisations and citizens, helping them fully harness the power of technology to accelerate progress competitiveness and opportunities for expansion in Malta.

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