UNDP launched IT-trainings for IDPs in Odesa and Poltava

UNDP with the financial support of the Government of Japan has launched “Frontend-developer: Training Programme for Internally Displaced People in Ukraine”. The programme is free of charge and designed for IDPs from Crimea and the East of Ukraine. The training is being implemented by Swedish company Beetroot AB. In total 60 students, 30 in Odessa and 30 in Poltava, have started their education.

The course duration is 4-month and it is a great opportunity for many people to start a career in IT sphere. There is no requirement of previous experience or knowledge in IT and there are no age restrictions. Apart from basic web development skills, the course will also include English lessons, self-presentation techniques and career counseling. On the completion of training each student will be offered an internship in IT companies to get a first working experience and to establish relationships with potential employers.

Beetroot AB has established IT-outsourcing activities in Ukraine since 2012, specialized in building and running teams of developers and designers, working on remote for companies in Europe and the US. Beetroot Academy was opened in September 2014 with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation (SIDA), aiming to help young Ukrainians enter thriving Ukrainian IT industry. Around 40 students have since then graduated, around 70% of which are now working in the IT-sphere. Based on this successful experience, Beetroot is prepared and capable of taking on the next challenge running educational programme for IDPs.

Ruslan Fedorov, Project Manager, UNDP Rapid Response to Social and Economic Issues of IDPs in Ukraine:
– Previous experience and qualifications of IDPs often do not match with the needs of labour market in their new locations. At the same time, IT is a dynamically growing sector in Ukraine and there is a high demand for qualified specialists. Graduates of our IT training programme will gain new skills, become competitive at labour market and will be able to find a new well-paid job.

Andreas Flodström, CEO at Beetroot:
– Beetroot was founded based on a social drive and vision, we wanted to create new opportunities for young Ukrainians, be part of building up the economy and increase the connection to Europe. Being here during the whole political turmoil created even stronger emotional bonds to Ukraine and we decided to push forward with launching Beetroot Academy in the autumn of September. This UNDP program is a great way to leverage our know-how in a way that will truly help where it’s most needed. We are impressed with the level of talent we have seen among the applicants and feel sure that this will be a kick-start of a new career in the IT field for many of them. We would like to thank both UNDP and the people of Japan for creating this opportunity of a brighter future.