ReadyForIT is an innovative programme designed to help refugees and migrants acquire digital skills in the IT sector. The main objective of the programme is to foster their professional integration and social inclusion, while filling the gap of professionals in the IT sector.
Launched in March 2022, ReadyForIT is one of the outstanding projects in Italy for The Human Safety Net. This project was made possible thanks to the collaboration of four co-funding partners: Fondazione Italiana Accenture, Fondazione Vodafone, Fondazione Social Venture Giordano Dell'Amore and The Human Safety Net. In addition, two in kind partners, Accenture and Fondazione Conad, provided essential support. The project also received support from non-profit organisations such as A2030, Caritas, Sant'Egidio and the Milan Committee of the Red Cross. Several companies, including Generali, Accenture, Adecco, Manpower and Randstad, contribute to the placement of participants.
Project details and the fourth edition
ReadyForIT represents The Human Safety Net Italy's commitment to supporting training and job placement pathways for refugees.
The programme aims to create innovative and effective models of intervention that can serve as an example for others. Since 2022, four course sessions have been offered, involving over 700 refugees in the selection process. Of these, 192 have completed at least one course and 70 have found jobs or internships because of the courses.
The participants in the latest edition come from various countries, including Afghanistan, Congo, Sudan, Ukraine, Egypt, Eritrea, Gambia, Kenya, Pakistan, Peru, Russia and Venezuela. Their study or work experience in the IT field varies: 24.14% have work experience, 44.83% have studied in the field and 31.03% have no previous experience.
Project Impact
The experience of ReadyForIT has made it possible to look more closely at other similar mechanisms existing at European level in countries where The Human Safety Net operates. The need emerged to work closely with companies to make the participants and their professional value known, also with the support of volunteers. In general, there is a growing conviction of the need to collaborate more and more with other funders and NGOs to guarantee concrete job placements and positive results for the programme, which in this case means stable and paid work.
ReadyForIT: IT & Cybersecurity training for Refugees and Migrants
We celebrated another important milestone in the journey of ReadyForIT: the Graduation & Employability Day for 29 students of the 2024 edition. A moment dedicated to their achievements, but also a first opportunity to meet with companies and employment agencies, with the aim of supporting them in launching their careers in IT & Cybersecurity.
