ICT PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ICT CAREER – REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA CASE STUDY

Actuality: Developing professional skills in ICT is a key factor that determines the development of the ICT sector from Moldova. In 2014 ISDI and StarNet launched the initiative of establishing a network of centers of excellence in ICT outside the capital of the country. The initiative is based on a pre-feasibility study conducted by the ISDI team during December 2014 – February 2015. The aim of the article is to analyse the results of the pre-feasibility study, with a focus on surveys and discussions held with representatives of public authorities, teachers and pupils from 6 visited districts. The article presents some of the results of the visits made by ISDI team and an analysis of international and local situation in the area of ICT professional skills. The methodology comprises several research methods: data analysis (statistical and pre-feasibility study period), statistical review, descriptive method, comparative method, case studies. Results: It was performed an analysis of the international and European experience in e-skills field. Survey results and discussions shows that pupils want new extracurricular activities in their localities in the area of ICT. Teachers and public servants support the idea of creating centers that would allow students to develop their ICT professional skills.