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The educational online project Smart Teens Intensive is currently ongoing in Ukraine. It is being implemented by the IT Ukraine Association jointly with the “Children of Heroes Charitable Foundation” (CF). The programme is made to support teenagers by combining IT technology education, soft skills development, familiarisation with the IT industry, and the cultivation of critical thinking and teamwork.
Speakers from ITU member companies including EPAM Systems, Sigma Software University, and N-iX have joined the project. They work with teenagers weekly and see what truly motivates, supports, and helps young people build their path in technology.
We have gathered 6 key insights from the speakers, which offer honest experience, practical advice, and real-world observations from people who work with children daily:
The IT sphere is open to those who are ready to learn. Don’t be afraid to search for yourself and start exploring something new
noted Viktoriia Zabavska, Senior UI/UX Designer, N-iX
The speaker emphasises that teenagers do not need to know “what they will be” right now. It is more important to know how to explore, try different things, and not be afraid to take those first steps.
The modern IT industry is not just about a high salary; it also requires hard work, continuous learning, and self-development. It involves responsibility to the team, the ability to adapt, and creatively solve complex problems
added Oleksandr Shcherbakov, Talent Development Specialist, EPAM Systems
This insight helps teenagers form a realistic view of the profession: IT is not magic, but discipline and professional maturity.
Sometimes it seems that technology is about to take your job, but in reality, they are your partners. They will only take the jobs of those who cannot work with them effectively
underlined Kseniia Bai, Communications Manager, EPAM Ukraine
The speakers emphasise: IT is developing rapidly, but the greatest asset is the ability to interact with technology, not fear it.
It is extremely important for us at N-iX to support initiatives that give teenagers the opportunity to unleash their potential through education and technology. Education is the best investment in the future
stressed Liliia Kostyshyn, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, N-iX
The training in Smart Teens Intensive combines hard skills, soft skills, and teamwork. This helps participants not just acquire knowledge—but build their own professional identity.
Nothing is static—everything is changing rapidly. The acceleration is increasing, and our task is to manage to achieve our dreams and bring benefit to society
reminds Viktor Kauk, Talent Development Specialist at EPAM, PhD in Technical Sciences, and Associate Professor of the Software Engineering Department at KhNURE
The speakers remind participants: flexibility and continuous development are the key skills of the future.
There is a fork in the road currently. No one can say where IT will go. But the future belongs to creativity and non-standard solutions
adds Volodymyr Yantsov, L&D Program Manager, Sigma Software
Basic technical skills are important, but it is creativity that helps create products that change the world.
It is important to learn to communicate, not be silent, not be afraid to take responsibility and understand its consequences. Ask many questions, learn and work a lot—on yourself too. Learning doesn’t end with school or university; it’s always with you. In modern IT, soft skills are increasingly important: self-regulation, the ability to understand and express your own emotions, and speak openly with others
notes Olha Levchenko, L&D Program Manager
Modern teenagers have huge potential, as they naturally grow up in a digital environment and quickly master new technologies. The most valuable things they can bring to the IT industry are critical thinking, attentiveness, and a new culture of digital security and responsibility
stresses Vitaliy Kulinich, Head of Cyber Security Unit
