“Digital Skills Training Project for the ICT and Related Sectors”
Project No. 2.3.1.2.i.0/2/23/A/CFLA/001
At the end of November, the three-day “Tech Industry” Business and Innovation Forum took place in Ķīpsala. Computer technologies are now linked with all the latest metalworking and metal product manufacturing, mechanical engineering, construction, automation, electronics, electrical engineering, automotive services, road and bridge construction, shipbuilding, railway and aviation engineering, agriculture, water supply and heating technologies. Representatives of every related sector had the opportunity to gain new knowledge from national stands of Latvia and other countries showcasing manufacturers’ offerings, gain experience at foreign exhibitors’ stands through presentations of new equipment, products, and services, establish new business contacts and reach cooperation partners from around the world, as well as participate in discussions and enhance their skills based on the latest achievements in science and manufacturing.
Among the exhibitors were various foreign equipment manufacturers demonstrating the most modern metalworking and industrial equipment in action, mechanical engineering equipment and materials, welding equipment, power tools, air-flow and hydro-technologies, metal products, equipment and materials for production, service providers, automation and control systems, hydraulic equipment, measuring instruments, electronics and electrical engineering, robotic equipment, gas supply equipment, warehouse equipment, occupational safety tools, loading and unloading machinery, and more.
The exhibition was organized by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia and the Association of Mechanical Engineering and Metalworking Industries, in cooperation with the international exhibition company BT 1.
Source: techindustry.lv
What is your and the FITA training centre’s experience in the computer technology sector?
I represent the professional development and continuing education training centre FITA. We help our clients—companies—improve their digital and technological skills so they can implement best management practices within the company and introduce automation processes for routine tasks. A large part of FITA’s clients are companies in the computer technology sector, whose employees enhance their knowledge both in the field of technology and by obtaining international certifications.
Why is it important for companies in the computer technology sector to learn continuously?
The main reason for continuous learning is related to making high-quality decisions, because every day we must make both major and minor decisions. In companies where employees are knowledgeable—both at the specialist and management level—strategically considered, data-based decisions can be made, which in turn influence the company’s development and competitiveness.
What competencies are most important at the management level?
Just as social skills are essential, modern managers also need an understanding of technologies, of technology implementation processes, and they must make decisions that significantly influence the company’s development and growth. These are no longer just the skills of the IT department and IT specialists—management must be involved as well and must make strategic decisions.
How are information technologies implemented, and why is it important to learn them?
The implementation of information technologies is a strategic process that is important in planning, introducing, and later maintaining these systems. There are two aspects. One is how we implement them and how smoothly this process goes. We often hear that it is a difficult and complicated process and that deadlines are not met—but this can be avoided. The implementation process can be much smoother if both suppliers and service purchasers have learned, have mastered best practices, and can communicate in the same language.The second aspect is that once technologies are introduced, we must be able to use them. If all resources and efforts are devoted only to the implementation process, it is essential that the implementation budget includes training. It is very valuable that currently structural fund co-financing is available, which makes it possible to use the full functionality of the technologies and work much more efficiently.
How is the training organized?
We organize training so it can be easily combined with work. The lessons take place online twice a week over a six-week period. The training includes many practical tasks. The entire learning process is organized so that the knowledge acquired with the help of experienced instructors can be applied in practice, and so that after completing the training and returning to the workplace, employees feel confident that they know what to do, what the next steps are, and that the knowledge and skills have truly been learned and can be applied.
Which courses are the most relevant within this project?
I would especially highlight the digital transformation course, the software requirements analysis course—which is extremely popular now both among purchasers and suppliers so that we can speak the same language and receive the technology solutions needed to achieve our business goals—as well as artificial intelligence and design courses, DevOps, and process and project management.
Renāte Strazdiņa, Microsoft Technology Lead for Central Europe and Central Asia, points out that the development of artificial intelligence (AI) is very significant, and it is expected that humans will increasingly use the capabilities of generative AI to enhance their productivity. She noted: “I enjoy learning, and I am not afraid to challenge myself. I am not afraid to be among people who are much smarter than me and not feel bad about it. […] The takeaway is—do not be afraid to be among the best and learn from them, and always seek new challenges.”
According to a Microsoft study, globally, at the beginning of this year, 75% of people used AI at work, while 46% started using it within a period of less than six months.
Source: epale.ec.europa.eu
Creating Powerful Digital Presentations
Instructors:Artūrs Pētersons, Arvils Stikuts, Dzintars Koknēvičs
TRAINING COURSE CONTENT:
• Challenges in digitally presenting an idea, solution, or proposal;• Steps to create a powerful digital presentation;• Structure for a persuasive digital presentation;• Methods to capture attention during a remote presentation;• Limitations of digital technologies for effectively presenting your idea;• Graphic design creation: Images and visualization;• Use of modern fonts and contrast for guiding attention remotely;• Differences between a digital presentation and a text document;• Skills for persuasive digital presenting;• Evaluating the digital impact of visually designed slides.
Latvian Computer Technology Association
Training Project Offered“Digital Skills Training Project for the ICT and Related Sectors”Project No. 2.3.1.2.i.0/2/23/A/CFLA/001Project implementation until 30 June 2026Applications for new training under the project are open until 30 April 2026.Please apply by sending an information request to apmacibas@itnet.lv
The purpose of the project investment is to provide micro, small, medium, and large enterprises registered in the Republic of Latvia with basic digital, robotics, and automation skills, digital transformation and digital innovation skills, including skills that promote export development, high-level digital governance skills at the management level, and skills for using digital technologies in various business processes.
The project is implemented with the financial support of the European Union Recovery Fund.The initial total eligible project costs are EUR 1,134,000, including the planned Recovery Fund support of EUR 567,000.
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Commission.Neither the European Union nor the European Commission is responsible for them.
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