Inspiring the Next Generation Through I in ICT Talks

• May 28, 2026
• Andrew

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, empowering young people with the right skills and mindset is more important than ever. It is not only about understanding how technology works, but also about recognising its potential to drive innovation, solve real world challenges, and create meaningful opportunities. With this vision in mind, a series of ‘I in ICT’ talks were organised for early teenagers, aiming to spark curiosity, nurture creativity, and introduce students to the wide range of opportunities within the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
These sessions provided students with valuable insights into how technology shapes everyday life and the world around them. By engaging with these concepts at an early stage, students begin to see themselves not just as users of technology, but as future creators, innovators, and problem solvers. A key focus of the initiative was to raise awareness of career pathways in ICT. Across Europe and globally, there is an increasing demand for digital skills and technology professionals. From healthcare and education to business and public administration, nearly every sector relies on individuals with strong ICT competencies. Despite this growing demand, skills shortages remain a significant challenge. Encouraging young people to explore careers in technology is therefore essential, not only for their personal development but also for building a future-ready workforce.

As part of this initiative:

•  A session was held at the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, bringing together MDIA women professionals in ICT and 25 female students, providing an inspiring platform for discussion and mentorship.
•  Two talks were delivered at Maria Regina College Naxxar Middle School, in collaboration with STMicroelectronics, engaging approximately 50 mixed-gender students.
•  Three sessions were held at St Joseph School, Blata l-Bajda, involving 48 female students, with contributions from professionals from Melita plc.
•  An additional session at St Joseph School, Paola, reached approximately 24 female students, in collaboration with Computime professionals.

A notable aspect of these sessions was the strong participation of women professionals, with the majority of speakers being women. This was intentionally done to demonstrate that women are thriving and accomplished within the ICT sector, while reinforcing that opportunities in technology are open and accessible to everyone. These engagements played a key role in promoting inclusion and encouraging more students to consider future pathways in ICT. Through real life examples and interactive discussions, students were able to better understand how ICT careers contribute to society and address real challenges. The talks emphasised the diversity of roles within the sector, helping to break down stereotypes and making these career paths more accessible and relatable.

This initiative aligns closely with the objectives of EU Code Week, which promotes coding, computational thinking, digital creativity, and innovation among young people across Europe. By introducing ICT concepts in an engaging and approachable way, the I in ICT talks contribute to building digital confidence and encouraging students to further explore technology-related opportunities.

Beyond technical awareness, the sessions also fostered essential transversal skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and creativity, which are competencies that are increasingly valuable across all fields of education and employment. Students were encouraged to ask questions, think innovatively, and reflect on how technology can be used to improve communities and address future challenges. The strong enthusiasm shown by participants highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young people to engage with technology beyond the traditional classroom setting. Direct interaction with ICT professionals allowed students to hear first-hand experiences, gain practical insights, and better understand the realities and rewards of working in the sector.

In addition to these talks, further outreach activities were carried out through school visits and career focused sessions. To support ongoing career exploration, a series of informative resources were developed and distributed, including career infographics designed to present ICT roles in a simple and engaging way. These are available here: Explore ICT Career Cards. Investing in digital education today means investing in the future. Through initiatives such as the I in ICT talks, an important step is being taken towards empowering young people to recognise their potential and embrace the opportunities that technology offers.

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