The Ukrainian IT market faces challenges, but quality technical education can improve the situation for beginners. Modernization of educational programs, development of entrepreneurial skills and creation of platforms for interaction of students with companies are key success factors.
IT market challenges
Labor market situation
Ukraine's IT sector faced serious difficulties due to full-scale war and global economic crisis. According to a study by the Lviv IT Cluster, 6% of IT specialists were unemployed in the fall of 2023, which is higher than in May 2022 (4.8%). The number of hires also decreased: according to the Djinni platform, hiring was 7% less frequent in 2023 than in the previous year.
Impact on Beginners
Beginners and junior specialists were the most affected. The share of hiring candidates with up to a year of experience decreased from 18% in 2021 to 11% in 2023. However, there are positive developments: in the first quarter of 2024, the number of vacancies for candidates without experience increased by 20% compared to the same period last year.
Ways to solve the problem
To facilitate the employment of students of technical specialties, it is necessary to adapt education to modern market requirements, develop entrepreneurial skills, and create opportunities for interaction between young specialists and company representatives.
Technical Education Update
Many companies are faced with an insufficient level of knowledge among novice specialists. This problem can be solved by adapting technical education to the needs of the modern market. The Lviv IT Cluster has successfully updated 19 bachelor's programs in four Lviv universities, involving IT specialists in mentoring, teaching and curation of student projects. This allows companies to find talented employees even during their studies, and students to gain practical experience and complete their studies at the strong junior level.
Development of entrepreneurial abilities
It is important to develop entrepreneurial skills of students during their studies. This will contribute to an increase in the number of startups and businesses founded by young professionals, which will lead to the creation of new jobs and have a positive impact on the country's economy. In the bachelor programs supported by the Cluster, students work on projects with mentors, learn to implement business ideas and attract investments. The most promising projects turn into startups and receive funding.
A platform for the interaction of young professionals and technology companies
Offline events can improve the situation of hiring new professionals, helping the future specialists and company representatives to establish personal contact. The Lviv IT Cluster organized the STUDENTS TALENT EXPO - a networking event where more than two thousand young professionals communicated with representatives of more than 30 IT companies. Such events allow young technicians to expand their network of contacts and receive advice directly from employers, and companies to find promising specialists.
The importance of the IT sector for the economy
The IT industry plays a critical role in the development of the Ukrainian economy and post-war reconstruction, occupying the first place among Ukraine's services exports. Therefore, it is important to constantly replenish the industry with young qualified specialists. According to a study by IT Research Ukraine, 56% of HR specialists hire junior level specialists, and 31% - trainee level. To increase these indicators, it is necessary to modernize technical education so that business is not afraid of the insufficient level of knowledge and skills of young professionals.
Glossary
- Lviv IT Cluster is an organization that unites IT companies and educational institutions of Lviv for the development of the technological ecosystem.
- Djinni is the largest marketplace for developers in Ukraine.
- STUDENTS TALENT EXPO is a networking event for students and IT companies, organized by the Lviv IT Cluster.
- IT Research Ukraine - a study of the Ukrainian IT market conducted by the Lviv IT Cluster.
- Junior - the initial level of a specialist in the IT industry.
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Answers to questions
What are the main problems currently existing in the labor market in the IT sphere of Ukraine?
How can the employment situation for young IT specialists be improved?
What are the advantages of modernization of technical education?
How does the development of entrepreneurial skills among students affect the IT market?
What is the importance of the IT sector for the economy of Ukraine?
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Discussion of the topic – How quality technical education can change the situation in the IT labor market
The article examines the challenges of finding a first job in IT due to the challenges of war and global recession. The impact of high-quality technical education on improving the situation on the labor market in the IT industry is analyzed.
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Oleksandra
Interesting article! I myself recently graduated from university and faced the problem of finding my first job in IT. Indeed, it has become more difficult now than before. But I believe that quality education can change the situation. 🤔
Maksym
Oleksandra, I agree with you. I myself work in an IT company and see how difficult it is to find qualified juniors. I think cooperation between universities and business is the key to solving the problem. We in the company have already started working with several universities.
Natalia
I wonder what specific steps can be taken to improve the situation? Maybe we should introduce more practical classes in universities? Or organize internships for students in IT companies? 🤷♀️
Viktor
Here is the crisis in IT! All this talk about modernization of education is empty talk. Previously, people somehow studied and worked without all these innovations. And now what, they won't learn to program without internships? Some nonsense.
Sophia
Viktor, I understand your skepticism, but the world is changing and education must adapt. Natalia is right - practical classes and internships can significantly improve the situation. I know companies that are already implementing such programs and are having great results! 💡
Andriy
Agree with Sophia! I myself did an internship during my studies, which gave me invaluable experience. I think it is also important to develop soft skills in students - this is something that beginners often lack.
Oleksandra
Andriy, you are right about soft skills! I would also add the importance of learning English. This often becomes an obstacle for beginners when looking for work in international companies. 🌍
Maksym
Great discussion! I think we all agree that changes are needed. Perhaps it is worth creating a platform where students, teachers and representatives of IT companies could exchange ideas and experiences? This could accelerate the process of modernization of education. 🚀