THRIVE – Upskilling for Women

THRIVE – Upskilling for Women is a programme designed to support refugee and migrant women in Germany and the wider DACH region in building digital skills and accessing employment in the ICT sector.

Many participants arrive in Europe with prior qualifications and strong motivation, but face structural barriers such as interrupted education pathways, limited professional networks, language difficulties, care responsibilities and the non-recognition of foreign credentials. These challenges significantly reduce access to skilled employment, particularly in high-demand digital fields. THRIVE addresses these barriers through a flexible, modular model that combines technical training, personalised mentoring and targeted career preparation.

About this Initiative

Over a six-month programme, participants follow structured learning pathways in AI literacy, data analytics and applied artificial intelligence, with advanced specialisations in machine learning and AI-driven project management. The curriculum is designed to build both foundational digital literacy and job-ready technical skills aligned with labour market demand.

The programme’s key components include:

• Technical training in Python, SQL, Excel, Tableau and Microsoft Power BI, focused on practical applications in data analysis and problem-solving.

• Specialisation tracks in machine learning engineering and AI-powered project management, supporting progression into more advanced ICT roles.

• Professional certificates from DataCamp and scholarships for Project Management Institute certifications, strengthening employability and formal recognition.

• Language training and transversal skills development, including communication, teamwork and critical thinking.

• Individual mentoring and tailored career coaching, covering CV development, interview preparation and job search strategies.

A defining feature of THRIVE is its strong integration with employers. Participants engage directly with industry professionals through mentoring sessions, expert talks and career events, ensuring that training is closely aligned with current ICT labour market needs and translates into concrete employment pathways.

Why is this a good practice?

THRIVE primarily benefits refugee and migrant women aged 18 and above who face structural barriers to labour market integration, including limited networks, financial constraints, language barriers and non-recognition of qualifications. Participants are often highly educated but underemployed, seeking structured pathways into data analytics, artificial intelligence and other digital careers.

Since its launch, THRIVE has supported more than 700 women from over 45 countries. In a recent cohort, 82 participants completed the programme and earned 64 professional certificates. Around 85% reported improved digital skills, and 81% felt more confident in job applications. Demand remains high, with over 1,100 applications in the latest intake and around 300 women beginning the programme.

THRIVE stands out for combining advanced digital training, personalised support and structured employer engagement within a scalable inclusion model. By equipping refugee and migrant women with practical skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning and project management, it addresses both gender and inclusion gaps in Europe’s digital workforce and contributes to broader European Digital Decade objectives.