The task of the working group is to analyse the professional standard, assess the need for changes, and make revisions if necessary. "We provide feedback on the knowledge and skills that graduates in this field should acquire to enter the job market," said Eljas.
Eljas has extensive experience with students in this field. "Over the years, I have taken many students from various vocational schools for internships, and many of them have later joined our workforce. The students have been very capable, and by updating the professional standard, we ensure that the requirements remain relevant," she added.
"In RIT's User Support Department, we employ graduates from various vocational education centres at level 4, providing user support services to government employees. Junior IT system specialists have also been employed as IT maintenance specialists, and there are already those who have advanced within the organisation to higher IT positions," Eljas cited examples of job opportunities for those with this qualification.
"Participating in the working group provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of professionals in the field - we can help create conditions so that the content and quality of vocational education meet the demands of the job market," affirmed Eljas.
"Vocational education always goes hand in hand with work experience - so it's important that learning and working complement each other," Eljas said. "RIT also hosts dozens of interns every year, and it's rewarding to see that many of them become our skilled colleagues in the future," she added.
Elina Orumaa, Head of RIT's Human Resources Department, says that watching and assessing interns' skills, attitudes, and approach is a great way for the company to find potential new hires. It also gives interns assurance that they're on the right path with their chosen profession and skills. "Completing an internship at RIT or another government IT institution gives young people their first exposure and insight into the public sector IT, and helps them validate their preference for the private or public sector," Orumaa added.
The professional standard is valid for five years, and every five years, the need for revisions is assessed. The new professional standard will come into effect in October of this year and will be used for curriculum development and certification. The description of the young IT system specialist's profession is based on the European IT Competence Framework (e-CF). This professional standard serves as the basis for vocational education curricula and professional certification in the workplace.
In addition to Estonian IT Centre, the working group developing the professional standard includes Kutsekoda SA, Telia Estonia AS, Arvuti Traumapunkt OÜ/VOCO, Baltic Computer Systems AS, BCS Training AS (level 4 examiner and certificate issuer), and Tartu Vocational College.
