Investment, Industry and Technology Minister Austin Gatt yesterday launched the initiative “First Step – L-Ewwel Pass”, a course starting with the most basic levels of computer, internet and email use, and aiming to prepare participants for ICT certification on more technical and higher levels.

“First Step” will also offer instruction in English, mathematics and communication skills.

Dr Gatt said research had shown that interest was increasing in technology training because of job opportunities, the expansion of the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, and the priority the government was giving to this sector.

He said anyone having a knowledge of English, a basic appreciation of internet and email use, and computer basic terminology can start a career in ICT. He pointed out that the aim was not to have some 5,000 scientists. Instead, it was to couple the creation of technologists to meet the industry’s needs with the challenge of creating jobs for people with varying abilities.

The government had already started dealing with this challenge before. There had been initiatives such as myWeb, the IT academies at the university and MCAST, and myPotential, which were interesting many young people, the unemployed, elderly persons, housewives, and others.

Dr Gatt said that to compete in ICT, it was important to have the best people. This industry would not employ specialists only.

Everyone had the chance to enjoy the benefits of the new economy, but it was important in ICT to know English and internet use. This was the aim of “First Step”, an initiative funded through European funds.

Registration for the course will start on Monday, on tel.: 2386-7514. Registration will be open till 30 April on a 24-hour daily basis.