DUAL EDUCATION IN ROMANIA: BRIDGING THE IT SKILLS GAP AND PREPARING INDUSTRY-READY TALENT

This study explores the role of dual education in addressing the IT skills gap in Romania, evaluating its effectiveness at both pre-university and university levels in preparing industry-ready talent.With the adoption of Law 199/2023, Romania introduced 18 dual degree programs across five universities, though only a small number focus specifically on the tech industry.These programs aim to bridge the disconnect between academic training and labor market demands.By analyzing employer perspectives and public policies, the research examines whether dual education can provide a sustainable solution for IT workforce shortages.The study employs a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with IT professionals, HR specialists, and public administration representatives in Cluj-Napoca.Findings reveal that while dual education enhances practical training and accelerates graduate integration, challenges persist, including rigid curricula, a lack of transversal skills, and limited collaboration between universities and businesses.Employers stress the importance of critical thinking, adaptability, and digital literacy-skills that current programs often fail to cultivate.Additionally, the increasing influence of AI on job structures is reshaping demand, shifting focus from junior programmers to professionals with hybrid competencies in technology and strategic thinking.The research highlights the need for stronger industry-academia partnerships, flexible learning paths, and investment in digital infrastructure to maximize dual education's impact.Public administration plays a crucial role as a key stakeholder in the dual education system, facilitating partnerships through economic clusters, ensuring infrastructure investment, and supporting funding access.This involvement benefits not only the education system but also contributes to city development, fostering a highly skilled and adaptable workforce that aligns with long-term economic growth strategies.Without structural reforms and broader accessibility, dual education risks being a partial solution, benefitting only select regions and industries.The study concludes that a well-implemented dual education system, with active participation from public administration and businesses, can serve as a catalyst for Romania's economic development and IT sector competitiveness.