Latvian Information and Communication Technology Association (LIKTA) in cooperation with the University of Latvia Innovation Centre LUMIC and Microsoft is launching the Baltic Virtual Internship Project gives everyone from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia the opportunity to improve their digital skills and gain practical experience in virtual internships in Baltic organizations and companies, thus ensuring their individual competitiveness in the local and international labor market. It is expected that 30,000 people from the Baltic States will attend the distance learning courses.

Not only will the participants have the opportunity to get theoretical knowledge under LIKTA Baltic Virtual Internships, but also to participate in virtual internships in various companies and organizations in the Baltics. The project offers free training courses on different topics of information and communication technologies in Latvian, English, Lithuanian and Estonian. The courses in the program “Business and Data Analysis” already started on 6 October.  There will also be courses on "Developing Programmes and Applications", "Python Programming Basics" and "Administering Microsoft 365".

"It is a unique opportunity to learn digital literacy programs online - both theory and practice - while acquiring remote work skills. I would like to highlight that all lectures are available not only online, but also in a recording, which could be especially convenient for young parents on parental leave, as it allows you to join classes at a time convenient for you or start participating in the program later, ”emphasizes Sylvie J. Lafarge, Head of Philanthropies Europe at Microsoft "We have already received positive feedback and we hope that those interested throughout the Baltics will continue to use the opportunity not only to supplement their knowledge in a promising specialization but also to strengthen their skills in a virtual internship."

In January 2021, 9,823 participants registered for the course, of whom 1,045 passed the exam and received a certificate of completion. The digital skills development program "Business and Data Analysis” raised most interest of the participants during the pilot project. 69 people in Latvia and Lithuania participated in virtual internships in companies, organizations and public institutions interested in innovation after the completion of the courses.

It is expected that 30,000 people from the Baltic States will attend the distance learning courses, and at least 9,000 of them will also participate in internships in technology companies.

Additional information about the courses: www.balticinternships.eu