Powercoders ICT work integration programme: successful pilot phase
Bern-Wabern, 18.08.2020 - 148 refugees have acquired ICT skills in a total of nine training courses in the Powercoders training programme. The long-term impact of this programme is now becoming clear: two thirds of the participants in the first two training courses run in 2017 and 2018 have found permanent work or an apprenticeship in the ICT sector. SEM provided support and advice during the pilot phase.
There are many talented refugees in Switzerland with an interest in ICT and an affinity for it. At the same time, there are not enough skilled workers in this sector. The Powercoders ICT work integration programme helps to overcome this disparity.
The 13-week programming courses for refugees give participants direct access to the ICT industry. If they successfully complete the course, they embark on an internship of six to twelve months. A job coach provides support throughout the programme and helps the participants in their subsequent search for employment or further training opportunities.
The three-year pilot phase, which was concluded at the end of June, was conducted in over 80 ICT companies. Around 90% of the 148 participants were able to find an internship following their programming training. Of the 33 persons who took part in the first two training courses in 2017 and 2018, 22 are now in permanent employment or have found an apprenticeship in the ICT sector.
Some of the participants who are not currently employed in ICT have found work in other sectors; in many cases, the experience gained in the Powercoders programme has helped them to find work.
SEM contributed CHF 450,000 to the project costs. The programme continues in Lausanne and Zurich and is open to participants from all over Switzerland.
The Powercoders programme plays a role in ensuring better exploitation of the available workforce in Switzerland. It gives refugees the opportunity to find permanent work or an apprenticeship, meaning they are no longer dependent on social security and can provide for themselves and their families.
SEM is working with the cantonal vocational training offices and the national association ICT-Berufsbildung Schweiz to expand the pre-apprenticeship programme INVOL, set up in 2018, to the ICT sector. From next autumn, there will be opportunities for young refugees to undertake vocational and educational training in ICT.
Address for enquiries
SEM: Information and Communication, medien@sem.admin.ch
Powercoders: Christina Gräni, christina.graeni@powercoders.org
Publisher
State Secretariat for Migration
https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home.html
Last modification 30.01.2024
