According to Luukas Kristjan Ilves, deputy secretary-general of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications for digital development, the training of specialists in communication technologies is strategically important for Estonia’s defence and security. ‘Estonian companies and the economy in general also need people with cutting-edge ICT skills. Their absence or scarcity would present a painful blow to both national and local business development, as we live in a networked world where communication technologies and services are critical for the transmission, security, and management of different types of information.’

According to Andres Eek, Head of the Curriculum, the analysis of the Estonian labour market shows a continuing increase in demand for ICT specialists in the field of communication technologies. ‘The vast majority of developments in IT and communication technologies are currently ordered from the ICT sector. This means we need skilled ICT specialists in the companies that outsource the corresponding services and solutions. We need people who are able to create and commission innovative technological solutions based on the needs and policies of different sectors of the economy,’ said Eek.

According to Eek, the value of the new curriculum lies in the broader view of the sector as a whole, together with the professional knowledge that the student will acquire over the two-year period. ‘With the help of the curriculum’s electives, the student can design different learning pathways according to the desired competence profile.’

According to the Head of the Curriculum, the academic 5G network, which will be launched later this year and used for both teaching and research, will serve as an important complement to teaching. The network will allow for the testing and exploration of different service solutions at the level of networks, service platforms, and end-users.

The study program Communications Networks and Services is taught in Estonian.