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European Year of Skills
Project

The IT Scouts project: Awakening vocations in the IT sector

The IT Scouts Project is making IT career dreams come true by providing guidance and targeted support to individuals navigating the training market in Schleswig-Holstein. The project's overarching goal is to enhance the career prospects of young individuals in the IT sector while fostering gender diversity. 

young professionals at the PC
© Adobe Stock

The project is led by led by the Schleswig-Holstein Institute for Vocational Education (SHIBB) in collaboration with ISFA plus GmbH and the Professional Training Academy of Economics (FAW) gGmbH. Funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), the IT Scouts Project provides guidance and targeted support to young people in the regional training market for IT & STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professions, with a special emphasis on attracting young women to IT training. The project's initiatives include numerous workshops, individual consultations, and outreach activities, creating an enabling environment for the development of IT capabilities.  

The project is dedicated to enhancing career prospects in IT professions, recognising the evolution of these roles beyond traditional stereotypes. No longer limited to mere programming or hardware assembly, IT professions now offer expansive career opportunities. From engaging in graphic design, e-commerce, and social media to contributing to website, app, or game development, the field presents a diverse spectrum of possibilities. Beyond career diversity, the project is actively championing equal opportunities for young women in the IT sector, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment for all aspiring professionals. 

The IT Scouts Project is not just a programme. It's a transformative force shaping the future of IT professionals. By leveraging EU funds, the project bridges skills gaps, strengthens economic competitiveness, and contributes to the growth of a highly qualified IT workforce. The IT Scouts Project is a source of empowerment, showing that focused support and guidance can open doors to promising careers in the high-demand IT sector, where there are shortages of skilled workers. 

How Fabian (19) successfully reshaped the course of his professional training 

Fabian's journey exemplifies the impact of the IT Scouts Project. Unsatisfied with the field of his first training experience, Fabian started looking for a new opportunity. He seeked career counselling at the federal employment agency in Bad Segeberg, where he discovered ISFA, an intercultural school for education and training. There, thanks to the IT Scouts project, he was provided with individualised career guidance and information material on opportunities in his region. Through the IT Scout Instagram account, he remained up to date on current IT and STEM training opportunities and accessed videos providing authentic insights into apprenticeships and daily work lives. He was also encouraged to discover new opportunities by attending training fairs such as Parentum, BIM Bad Bramstedt, and Junge Messe Norderstedt. 

As a result of his engagement with the IT Scouts Project, Fabian explored various training opportunities and is currently undergoing traineeships in different companies. The project continues to provide him with support, ensuring Fabian's successful integration into the IT sector.