Preparing future tech professionals
A high-tech multinational firm is doing its bit to address the talent gap in Cyprus’ blooming IT ecosystem, as the number of technology companies increases on a geometrical scale.
Kyndryl, a US multinational in information technology infrastructure services, welcomed Cypriot ICT students at their Cyprus office, for an opportunity to learn how a leading company in the technology sector operates. Joining forces with eight academic institutions in Cyprus, Kyndryl launched a paid summer internship program for IT students looking to specialise in cloud, security, and data processing.
“Kyndryl supports the effort to train and guide new talents before they enter the labour market,” said Marios Kapiris, Director of Kyndryl in Cyprus.
“Our goal is to continue to host the students and help students develop the skills of the future, creating a better match between jobs and skills in Cyprus’ tech sector.”
The program was implemented through the Liaison Offices with the Labour Market - Be Connected.
Eight Universities operating in the Republic participated in the program with the support of the European Social Fund.
Kyndryl works closely with the Liaison Offices, which promote cooperation between academic institutions and businesses.
The ultimate goal is for students to improve their skills, gain additional knowledge and experience, and get to know the modern work environment by developing essential capabilities that will help them in their future careers.
“I had the opportunity to gain work experience related to my subject of study and to meet people who advised me on what would be best for my professional career,” said Georgia Andreou, one of the interns.
In addition to offering real-world work with a high tech, it also provided the chance to work in a people-centred, teamdriven environment, said students.
“The work environment helped me adapt immediately and get as many resources as possible from my internship,” said Andreas Neocleous, another intern.
Cyprus’ lack of skilled tech professionals is no secret, with Innovation and Digitisation deputy minister Kyriacos Kokkinos recently admitting to a shortage of 3,500 IT professionals.
He said that comprehensive upskilling and reskilling programmes were needed to address the shortage.
Kokkinos argued the education system needed reform, but above all, there was an urgent need to change mentality.