The new Chair of InterYIT, IFIP’s International Young ICT Professionals group, Tom Crick, has issued a Call for Participation to stimulate the development of local InterYIT chapters and invite interested young ICT professionals to play an active role in driving the direction and goals of the global group.

Tom — Professor of Computer Science & Public Policy at Cardiff Metropolitan University in the UK — took over as Chair of InterYIT in December and has been busy reaching out to engage with the broader network and plan activities for 2017 and beyond.

“My primary aim for InterYIT would be to extend our reach and membership across the other IFIP member nations. We have a core InterYIT board and leadership team — including representatives from the more established national ICT societies — but for our work and initiatives to scale we need broader representation and engagement, both within regions and internationally,” Tom said.

In stepping up, Tom acknowledged the “excellent work” of his predecessor, Yasas Abeywickrama, and founding chair, Joel Nation, who originally conceived the idea for a global network of young ICT professionals and gained support from IFIP to make it happen.

Tom said he sees two key priorities for young ICT professionals across the IFIP nations, building upon core digital economy priorities.

“These are firstly, to support the digital skills pipeline, from curriculum reform through to code clubs and digital literacy initiatives in various countries; and second, to better support the development and opportunities for young ICT professionals in all sectors across the InterYIT nations. We can do this by identifying and sharing best practice, including opportunities for international collaborations and activities.”

Tom said both priorities are interrelated, with many countries addressing the first through ongoing substantial education reforms or national-level initiatives. “As young ICT professionals, we can play a key part in supporting this work.” he said.

He is keen to hear from young professionals interested in working with InterYIT or IFIP member societies who want to engage as a nation to establish their own local InterYIT group.

Tom also said he is looking forward to the IFIP General Assembly in Sri Lanka in September to meet with key stakeholders and to further develop the InterYIT vision into 2018.

For more information about InterYIT, visit: http://ifipinteryit.org/about-us/ or contact Tom Crick (@ProfTomCrick).