Make IT Work is designed to empower people seeking a career in IT, regardless of their previous experience or education. The program spans five months, during which participants receive intensive training on various IT subjects and work on real-world projects. This immersive experience equips them with the essential skills needed in the IT industry.
To begin their journey with Make IT Work, applicants must undergo an assessment to assess their cognitive skills and personal characteristics. Those who pass this assessment move on to the matching process with potential employers. Once a mutual agreement is reached , the program officially commences.
One of the program's features is a paid employment period with one of the participating employers. This practical experience enables participants to immediately apply the knowledge and skills they have gained in a professional environment, overcoming the gap between education and employment.
The Make IT Work program was initiated by the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS) in 2015 and funded by the Dutch government. Today, the program is implemented by three educational institutions across the Netherlands - AUAS, IT Academy and HAN University of Applied Sciences in Arnhem/Nijmegen , expanding its reach and impact.
The Make IT Work program has achieved impressive milestones: over 1200 participants have successfully completed the retraining program, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the IT sector. More than 250 employers or employer departments are currently involved in the programme, proving the high demand for skilled IT professionals in the job market. Two of them shared their stories with us: Brenda and Soheil.
Brenda, who came to the Netherlands as a chemical engineer, now works at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce after successfully following the software engineering track within Make IT Work. She exclaims, "It changed my life by 180 degrees! There is a high demand for IT professionals, and the skills you learn can be applied globally. The world is dynamic, and it is really cool that - with Make IT Work - you can adapt to it."
Soheil, who is now a Net developer, shares his thoughts: "After my studies in electronical engineering and one-year course on web designing, I noticed that I still hadn’t enough experience nor all the right skills. The Make IT Work program, therefore, was a perfect match for upskilling myself towards the needs of the job market."
- Project locations
- Netherlands