Throughout the country, there are companies with a desperate need for IT developers, while many digitally interested young people are outside the job market. GARTNER estimates that 70 percent of all organizations will implement code in their infrastructure before 2025. GET Academy builds upon a project where the University of Stockholm had a hypothesis that gamers have smart learning and problem-solving strategies. The goal is to contribute to positive life changes for young adults between 18 and 30 years old by helping them find employment as IT developers.
Secures Permanent Employment
There are no formal requirements to be admitted as a student at GET Academy. Effort and motivation to improve oneself are emphasized more than academic progression. The education consists of two parts: Start IT and GET IT. Start IT is a six-month course, while GET IT is one year of combined practical work in a company and school. Students learn basic programming, as well as key competencies that include a range of topics in learning and thinking, collaboration and communication, self-management, and reflection. The consulting department, GET Academy Solutions, provides opportunities for those who do not secure a position in a regular company.
Approximately 80 percent of students who have completed the entire GET IT program have secured permanent employment afterward. Around 50 different companies have recruited through the GET model, including DNB and Kongsberg Maritime.
Global Demand
So far, most students in GET Academy have come from Vestfold and Telemark, but the model is scalable, and an increasing number are coming from other parts of Norway. More and more companies are offering IT developer positions where one can work from anywhere in Norway. In the short term, GET Academy aims to triple its capacity in Norway, and in the long term, become the leading IT school in Scandinavia and expand in Europe to meet growing global demand.
GET Academy was a finalist for the Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 award.