In recent years, Russia has grappled with a severe shortage of IT professionals, a challenge that has only intensified. At the outset of 2022, authorities estimated a deficit of 1 million IT specialists. Fast forward to 2023, and the demand for IT talent has surged by an additional 63%.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, responsible for overseeing IT development in the government, sounded the alarm. To counter this crisis, Russia has embarked on a national project called the “Digital Economy,” initiated by President Vladimir Putin in 2019. The project’s primary focus is to bridge the IT skills gap by targeting young individuals, including schoolchildren, students, and even adults.
Nurturing IT Skills from a Young Age:
1. Early IT Exposure: “Code of the Future”
In 2022, Russia introduced the “Code of the Future” program as part of the national project “Digital Economy.” This initiative is a critical step toward introducing modern programming languages to the younger generation, offering courses completely free of charge. Its primary objective is to acquaint students with the world of IT as early as possible, allowing them to explore the responsibilities of a programmer and embark on their first digital projects.
2. Career Guidance for Teenagers
For teenagers already inclined towards programming, early career guidance plays a pivotal role. According to Evgenia Shvyrkunova, director of the coordination department of the federal project “Development of Human Resources in the IT Industry” at “University 2035,” there are numerous specializations within the IT sphere.
To help students choose the right path, they need exposure to different IT professions, such as data analysis with artificial intelligence (AI), game development in C++, or website creation in Python. These diverse options can be overwhelming in standard computer science classes, typically held only once a week in high school.
3. A Wealth of Learning Opportunities
“Code of the Future” offers a rich curriculum that covers languages like Java, JavaScript, Python, C#, C++, 1C, PHP, SQL, and more, all accessible for free and compatible with regular studies. Students can explore programming and develop their first applications, games, chatbots, and websites. They have the flexibility to study online or attend classes at designated local sites. The program collaborates with leaders in the EdTech market, prominent universities, and IT companies in Russia, offering over 90 courses from esteemed institutions like Yandex, 1C, Uchi.Doma, IEO, MSTU, N.E. Bauman, Innopolis University, and MIPT, among others. The course catalog continually expands. Upon course completion, students receive a valuable portfolio and a certificate.
As Russia strives to overcome its IT talent shortage, the “Code of the Future” initiative represents a promising solution. By introducing young minds to the world of programming, offering early career guidance, and providing a diverse array of IT courses, this program ensures a sustainable pipeline of skilled IT professionals. With over 140,000 children participating in the 2023 recruitment drive, it is clear that Russia is making significant strides toward securing its digital future. Applications for the upcoming academic year are open until September 30, signaling a continued commitment to nurturing IT talent across the nation.