Amsterdam opens first IT training centre for vulnerable people

Those who believe programming is not for them might end up with a well-paid job in no time

As of this month, vulnerable persons living in Amsterdam stand better chances of getting a well-paid job. Thanks to the first so-called “TechGround" which opened in Nieuw-West on 12 December, unemployed with literary zero skills in IT can start from scratch and land a demanded job in the Netherlands.

TechGrounds are training centres located in vulnerable neighbourhoods where beginners are taught for free the skills needed for employment in technology. They are part of the TechConnect action program which consists of a number of initiatives aiming to make technology courses and IT careers more accessible. Furthermore, in addition to IT training, people who dream of having their own technology company can get help here to work out their ideas. This initiative of the Amsterdam Economic Board, Booking.com, Rabobank, TomTom and CA-ICT training fund unites dozens of companies, educational institutions and government organizations from the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, willing to increase diversity in the tech sector and make the tech job market more inclusive.   

Following in the footsteps of Molenbeek, Belgium

The TechGrounds originate from the programming school and breeding ground Molengeek from the Molenbeek district of Brussels. Molenbeek is known as a disadvantaged neighbourhood where, in addition to all kinds of urban problems, many unemployed people and people with a lower education live. Molengeek has brought out the hidden talent of the neighbourhood and turned it into a success story. Now, this example is being followed in various Dutch cities, including the capital of the Netherlands.

Training adapted to business needs

Part of the success is achieved thanks to the collaboration with a number of large companies. During the training, candidates are matched with tech entrepreneurs with whom a partnership has already been established. The odds of landing a job after completing the training are therefore high. The fact that there is a shortage of people with an education in technology, naturally also improves the chances of job candidates.

If you too want to become a Junior Web Developer, Cloud Operator for Amazon Web Services or get another job of the future, visit techgrounds.nl and learn how to join the programs.