Join our tech training programme and gain remote employment through Shapeways.io!

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GHANA

Shapeways.io is expanding its work to Africa (Ghana), to support young people to get into the technology industry.

We are currently building a computer training academy for young people who have multiple barriers to fund their education to attend college or University.

Why

Ghana is a country with a young population, with more than half (57%) of its population under the age of 25. However, unemployment remains a major challenge, with young people being disproportionately affected. 

Young people in Ghana commonly face the following barriers of entry into tech:

Lack of access to technology: Many young people in Ghana do not have access to technology or the internet, which limits their ability to develop their skills.

Limited educational opportunities: The quality of education in Ghana is often poor, with limited resources available to schools and teachers. This can result in a lack of opportunities for young people to develop the skills needed for careers in technology.

Gender disparities: Women are often underrepresented in the tech and digital industry, both in Ghana and globally. Cultural norms and biases can make it more difficult for girls and women to pursue careers in these fields.

Limited networking opportunities: Many young people in Ghana do not have access to professional networks or mentors in the technology industry, which can make it more difficult to enter the field.

Limited job opportunities: Despite the growth of the technology industry in Ghana, there are still relatively few job opportunities in these fields, particularly outside of major urban centres. This can make it difficult for young people to find employment in these fields.

Our programme aims to provide a solution by empowering 150 young people in Ghana in a 2-year structured bootcamp with specific technology skills training, enabling them to offer remote services to companies abroad.

What

Our mission is to empower 150 young individuals in Ghana with a diverse skill set, strong interpersonal abilities, and a global perspective every 2 years. Through this initiative, we aim to improve their employability, facilitate remote work opportunities, stimulate innovation, and contribute to the growth of the Ghanaian economy.

Technical Skill Development: We will equip 150 young people in Ghana with cutting-edge technical skills. This includes proficiency in database development (SQL, Oracle Database, .NET), web and app development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Adobe tools), and software development (C++, Java, Python, Ruby).

InterPersonal Skills Development: Participants will receive training in essential soft skills, including effective communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, leadership, and project management.

Increased Employment Opportunities: We aim to enhance employability by preparing participants for the modern job market and providing connections to local and international employers.

Remote Work Enablement: Graduates will be equipped to offer remote services to international companies, expanding their income potential and contributing to Ghana’s economy. We will also provide training in remote work etiquette and digital collaboration tools. All work produced with be projeect managed by Shapeways.io

Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship: We encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among young people by supporting startups, fostering creativity, and providing access to resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities.

Academic Year

How - YEAR 1

In our recruitment process, we prioritise diversity and inclusivity, aiming to enrol 65% women and 70% of learners from low-income households. This commitment ensures equal access to our programme, promoting gender balance and socioeconomic inclusion within our participant group.

Before the training begins, we conduct pre-training assessments. These assessments serve as a starting point, helping us identify participants’ existing skills and areas where improvement is needed. This tailored approach enables us to design a curriculum that precisely matches their requirements and maximises their learning outcomes.

Our intensive training programme covers a wide spectrum of technical skills, including Database Development (comprising database systems, SQL code, Oracle Database, and .NET), Web and App Front-end Development (encompassing HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and proficiency in Adobe design tools like InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator), as well as Software Development, covering languages such as C++, Java, Python, and Ruby.

Equally crucial to technical proficiency are the soft skills participants acquire during the programme. We provide training in communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. These skills are vital in today’s workplace, empowering participants to excel in their careers and contribute effectively to their teams.

Mentoring and coaching sessions run throughout the training period, offering personalised guidance and support for participants’ personal and professional development. These sessions provide a platform for participants to seek advice, set goals, and refine their career paths.

To ensure continuous improvement and alignment with our objectives, we conduct regular progress monitoring and evaluations, enabling us to make necessary adjustments to our training approach and content.

Academic Year

How - YEAR 2

Building on the foundation established in Year 1, we focus on practical training in remote work skills for selected participants. This includes honing their communication abilities, time management techniques, and task prioritisation. Additionally, we provide training in utilising online meeting platforms, preparing young people for remote work opportunities in an increasingly digital world.

During Year 2, we arrange a 3-month remote placement of participants in work positions with companies in the UK and America. This international exposure allows them to apply their skills in a real-world setting, fostering a global mindset and enhancing their employability.

Mentoring and coaching sessions persist throughout Year 2 to support participants’ ongoing development and progress in their work placements. These sessions remain a valuable resource for participants as they navigate their professional journeys.

We facilitate networking opportunities with other professionals and companies recruiting in the fields of study, connecting participants with potential employers and mentors who can guide them in their careers.

To further enrich participants’ knowledge and skills, we organise four 2-hour Employability and Tech workshops. These workshops, which can be facilitated both online and offline, provide insights into industry trends, best practices, and career development strategies.

As a continuation of our commitment to excellence, regular progress monitoring and evaluations persist into Year 2, ensuring that participants remain on track with their personal and professional goals and that our programme continues to evolve to meet their needs effectively.

AFTERCARE

To facilitate the integration of young talents in Ghana into the global IT and digital job market, we will implement the following strategies:

Establish Online Job Platforms: The creation and management of online job platforms will enable the linkage of young individuals in Ghana with remote IT and digital job prospects. These platforms will serve as a medium for employers to advertise positions and for job seekers to submit their applications. (Shapeways.io will oversee the development and operation of this portal).

Harness Global Job Markets: Remote work openings can arise from any corner of the world. By advocating for remote work opportunities within international job markets, we can unlock a broader spectrum of job possibilities for young Ghanaians.

Job Application Support: We will support all graduates with applications to remote work job vacancies, this will be done through 1:1 sessions which will comprise interview practice sessions, CV and portfolio support and more

final look

Video of our building progress

BUILDING STAGE progress images

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Industry Expertise

Donations/Funding

Tech Equipment

Voluntry Work

Partnership

Tech Mentoring

Interested in working with us?