Notwithstanding the end of the school year, Programme Ambizione Italia for Schools, promoted by Microsoft and the Fondazione Mondo Digitale, will continue to organised online courses on digital skills throughout the summer to prepare students for the jobs of the future.
According to a new survey held in collaboration with Skuola.net, 42% of high school and university graduates do not feel ready to face the working world. And they feel especially behind in subjects concerning science and technology, respectively 30% and 42%. Moreover, 77% of interviewees would welcome suggestions and information on courses and contents to help them acquire greater technical-scientific competences. Indeed, the scientific and technological fields are those that will continue to offer more and more jobs with a high pay. It is estimated that by the end of 2020, over 135,000 new jobs will be created only in the ICT sector. However, there will not be enough skilled individuals to cover all these posts.
In order to reduce the skills mismatch, the divide between competences requested by the market and those that are truly available, Microsoft and the Fondazione Mondo Digitale have stepped up the free online courses organised by “Ambizione Italia for Schools,” the educational programme dedicated to artificial intelligence and robotics for students aged 12-18 and teachers throughout Italy.
During the school year that just ended, over 60,000 students and 55,000 teachers enjoyed the workshops and on-line training tools held in 37 hubs in 14 Italian Regions. Over three months, more than 100,000 students and teachers have registered at www.AmbizioneItalia.it
During the summer, the programme will continue to hold ad hoc courses on digital tools and services for young men and women, so they may experiment with the potential and opportunities provided by new technology and explore new professional profiles. Go to innovationgym.org/entra-nel-mondo-dellai to access all free labs for students with Arin, the mascot that will involve you in practical exercises in modules to acquire your first notions about artificial intelligence.
“Investing in education is fundamental to reduce the skills mismatch, a phenomenon that is acquiring significance and poses an obstacle to the country’s growth. Thanks to Ambizione Italia, we are uniting our forces with the Fondazione Mondo Digitale and many other partners to help schools provide a concrete hand to our young men and women, understand the opportunities provided by new technology and face the digital challenge as protagonists,” explains Barbara Cominelli, Marketing & Operations Director, Microsoft Italy.
“Along with students and teachers, we will develop the human side of artificial intelligence, built on an awareness of its risks and ethical issues. We will help the young men and women to develop inclusive applications with AI for the common good and environment, to promote sustainability and reduce inequalities,” pointed out Mirta Michilli, Director General, Fondazione Mondo Digitale.
