CODE.FUSION: IT Qualification for Asylum Seekers
CODERS.BAY is a practice-oriented coding school in Linz and offers training in coding, network technology and SAP at all levels of competence for private individuals or companies. In addition to standardised courses, individual in-company training courses are also offered. CODE.FUSION of CODERS.BAY trains asylum seekers in programming and increases their chances of finding employment in Austria.
The Procedure
Before the training program starts, those interested go through a three-week selection process. This enables them to get to know the job profile "Junior Developer" better and to determine whether they are suitable for this profession. If this is the case, the participants begin the approximately six-month training program. The training offer includes know-how about programming, web and databases. Moreover, it also includes German and English courses.
The program is based on self-learning and self-motivation. If the program has been successfully completed, graduates must present their project work in German. Finally, they receive a "Junior Developer" certificate.
The participants get in touch with interested companies during their training. Once completed, graduates have the chance to obtain a work permit and can work for a company from which they are requested.
The Goals
CODE.FUSION aims to achieve two main objectives. On the one hand, the acute shortage of skilled workers in the IT sector, which is to be reduced. On the other hand, asylum seekers should be able to pursue meaningful employment during the waiting period for their asylum procedures. Through the practical training, CODE.FUSION create a win-win situation: asylum seekers are given the opportunity to further their education in relevant areas, while at the same time alleviating the shortage of IT specialists.
The CODE.FUSION is produced by CODERS.BAY. CODERS.BAY is a joint initiative of the Upper Austrian Vocational Training Institute (BFI Upper Austria) and the Coventina Private Foundation. It is being implemented with the support and cooperation of Linz AG, the Linz City Council and the organisations Caritas, Red Cross, Samaritan Association and Volkshilfe.
Why is CODE.FUSION a Good Practice?
CODE.FUSION is good practice on several levels. First of all, it offers asylum seekers targeted training in the field of coding, which significantly improves their employment opportunities in Austria. By focusing on reducing the shortage of IT professionals and creating meaningful employment opportunities for asylum seekers, CODE. FUSION addresses current societal challenges.
The program itself is characterized by a structured selection process, practical training modules and accompanying German and English courses. Self-learning motivation promotes not only technical skills, but also personal development. The close connection with companies during the training increases the employment prospects of the participants.
Last but not least, the cooperation between the BFI Upper Austria and the Coventina Private Foundation through the establishment of CODERS.BAY is a pioneering example of public-private partnerships to promote digital skills.