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Description
The Project aims to reduce economic and social disparities in EEA by implementing labour market solutions in lifelong learning. Those solutions will mainly target women who have lost their jobs in industries particularly affected by the economic impact of the pandemic and cannot find them in a labour market that places increasing focus on digital competences. The Project aims to minimise this problem and equalise opportunities.
The Project will be realised in a partnership with Gestalt School of Psychotherapy ("Szkoła Psychoterapii Gestalt") (Poland) and Geopolitical Intelligence Services AG (Liechtenstein). The Project will contribute to strengthening human potential and expanding the knowledge base in Poland.
The educational offer concerns IT and digital marketing for Frontend Developer, Scrum Master, Software Tester, WordPress Developer, Social Media Specialist, Digital Marketing Specialist (depending on the subject matter the trainings lasting from 5 to 16 weeks). An online platform will be available to an unlimited number of people regardless of age and current life situation.
The Project covers 4 priority fields of The Education Programme:
- development of a quality culture in the education sector;
- inclusive education - the Project contributes to the implementation of the principle;
- development and promotion of VET sector, including a dual system and cooperation between
vocational education and training institutions and employers;
- development of career guidance.
The Project''s expected impact is a comprehensive support for re-branding and job placement in IT and digital marketing professions. Based on estimates from the University of Success ("Uniwersytet Sukcecu"), the number of people who will complete the online course within five years from the platform''s implementation is at least 50 thousand people. It is expected that the number of people who complete the course and find a job in the learned profession will be 10,000 within 3 years.
Summary of project results
This project was necessary to address challenges caused, among others, by the COVID-19 pandemic, which particularly severely affected the professional situation of women, especially those working in industries most impacted by the economic crisis. Additionally, the project aimed to reduce economic and social disparities by enhancing digital and IT skills, which are crucial in the current job market landscape where digital competencies are increasingly important. In Poland, where women constitute a minority in the IT sector (approximately 30% of all programmers), the project sought to mitigate the issue of digital exclusion and level the playing field in the job market.A range of actions were implemented within the project, including training in IT and digital marketing, psychological support, and the opportunity for internships/practical experience. Educational products and services were delivered through an online educational platform, allowing for flexible and needs-tailored forms of education for the participants. The training covered positions such as Frontend Developer, Scrum Master, Software Tester, WordPress Developer, Social Media Specialist, and Digital Marketing Specialist. These actions were crucial as they enabled participants to acquire up-to-date qualifications sought after in the job market, as well as support in overcoming the psychological difficulties associated with job loss.The main outcomes of the project primarily include an increase in the professional competencies and qualifications of the participants in the IT and digital marketing areas, which improved their job market prospects. Psychological support and the possibility of internships/practical experience further strengthened their position and confidence in job-seeking. Participants'' life situations also improved due to gaining new skills and a greater ability to adapt to changing job market conditions. The project also contributed to strengthening bilateral relations between Poland and Liechtenstein in the field of education and knowledge exchange. The value of the project lies in its long-term impact on reducing economic and social differences, improving the professional situation of women, and promoting gender equality in the IT sector. After the project''s completion, the Digital University Foundation ensures its sustainability by maintaining and updating educational materials and developing the platform with new modules that respond to the current job market demand.Summary of bilateral results
The collaboration with an institution from the Donor States, such as Geopolitical Intelligence Services AG from Liechtenstein, brought significant benefits to the Digital University Foundation, opening new perspectives on education and skills development. This partnership not only provided a broader look at educational aspects but also valuable know-how in motivating and supporting women in acquiring IT and digital marketing skills. Involving a partner from the Donor States enabled access to international knowledge and best practices, which was crucial in designing and implementing effective educational methods and support programs. The main bilateral result of this cooperation was not only an increase in the knowledge and skills of the project participants but also an expansion of the support scope to include soft skills, such as building self-confidence and improving self-assessment. This collaboration led to broader effects, such as better preparation of participants for entering the IT job market, increasing their competitiveness, and strengthening their professional position. Considering the positive experiences and achieved results, the Digital University Foundation plans to continue and develop the bilateral cooperation with the institution from the Donor States. This continuation will pave the way for further sharing of knowledge, experiences, and best practices, contributing to the further development and strengthening of educational programs. The planned cooperation aims not only to maintain current achievements but also to explore new areas of collaboration that can bring mutual benefits and contribute to further increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of efforts to support women in the IT sector.