Over the past semester, the eSkills Malta Foundation and the National School Support Services successfully coordinated 12 industry visits for Year 9 students across 12 government schools to provide the possibility for the students to learn about Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The government schools, which participated in this initiative, were St Thomas More College Zejtun Secondary School, Maria Regina College Mosta Secondary School Zokrija, Maria Regina College Mosta Secondary School, St Thomas More College St Lucia Secondary School, St Clare College Pembroke Secondary School, St Nicholas College Dingli Secondary School, St Theresa College Mriehel Secondary School, St Ġorġ Preca College Hamrun Secondary School, St Benedict College Kirkop, St Margaret College Verdala Secondary School, St Ignatius College Handaq Secondary School and Gozo College Rabat Secondary School. These visits were carefully planned to show the students the different jobs they could do in this field and what it's like to work in an organisation.
During such visits, the students saw how each company works, whether big or small, and what makes them unique. The main goal of these visits was to help students see how the things they learn in class are used in real life. They also got to meet the employees who talked to the students about their jobs and advised them on possible career routes. These visits helped students learn about different jobs in ICT and got them excited about working in this field. Moreover, these visits fostered meaningful connections between students and industry professionals. These interactions inspired students to pursue their passions and provided them with valuable mentorship and guidance as they navigate their future career paths. This was made possible thanks to all the companies which collaborated in this initiative.
These industry visits gave students insight into the diverse and dynamic field of ICT, encompassing software development, telecommunications, networking, virtual reality, server technologies, proactive alerts and IT consulting. In today's digital world, the importance of ICT education cannot be overstated. As technology advances, the demand for individuals with digital skills becomes increasingly critical. By providing students with opportunities to explore the ICT industry first-hand, we are not only preparing them for future careers but also equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing technological landscape. These industry visits exposed students to a wide range of topics and career pathways within the field, further emphasising the significance of ICT education.
The impact of these industry visits is profound, reaching far beyond the classroom. These visits are catalysts for personal and professional growth, empowering students to unlock their full potential and pursue rewarding careers in ICT. We owe this success to our partner companies, whose unwavering support and commitment to nurturing the next generation of digital leaders is invaluable. Together, we are shaping the future of technology and empowering students to thrive in an increasingly digital world. As we continue to uphold our commitment to providing holistic education, such experiential learning initiatives will remain integral to our mission of nurturing the next generation of industry leaders in ICT.