Education and Science, Employment, Lithuania, Technology

According to Andrius Pleckaitis, Innovation Manager at INFOBALT, an association that unites Lithuanian IT companies, the shortage of IT specialists was particularly strongly felt after 2009, when several global corporations established technology centres in Lithuania.

"After such companies as Barclays, Western Union started operating in Lithuania and Lithuanian IT companies began working more successfully in export markets, we have faced a huge shortage of IT specialists, which is only increasing every year. According to our research, in 2016 Lithuania will face a shortage of 13,000 IT specialists," said Pleckaitis.

According to him, to ensure the necessary number of IT specialists in the future it is essential to work not only with students, but also with pupils.

"When entering a university, young people should be already decided what profession they want to acquire. We have noticed that the 'last minute' decisions on studies have become a relic, young people become more motivated. Universities and IT companies have been actively cooperating with schools for some time already; pupils are acquainted with future professions and skills necessary for a good employee. Various initiatives involving young people may encourage them to choose professions that are related to IT," said Pleckaitis.