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Tech Without Limits: The Push for Diversity and Inclusion in the Dutch Digital World.

Author:
Lisa Scorzon
April 19, 2023

Technology has become an essential part of our lives, and as it continues to evolve, the demand for skilled developers only increases. In the Netherlands, the employment of IT professionals grew by 2.2% in 2022. With such high demand, anyone can consider becoming a developer, regardless of their background. That's where our academy in Amsterdam comes in.

Our mission is to diversify the IT and tech industry by offering intensive bootcamps that train people to become software developers and cybersecurity specialists in just nine weeks. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn to code and pursue a career in tech, regardless of their background. To make our programs accessible, we have partnered with organisations like Finance4Learning and TechMeUp to offer financing options for our learners.

Promoting diversity and inclusivity is not only a moral imperative, but it also makes good business sense. Diverse teams have been shown to be more innovative and creative, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving. A team made up of people with different backgrounds and experiences can offer a variety of approaches to solving problems, leading to more creative solutions. That's why companies today are actively seeking diversity in their workforce.

The Netherlands is known for its thriving tech industry, but when it comes to diversity in the field, there is still progress to be made. Let's take a look at some statistics that shed light on the current state of diversity in tech in the Netherlands;

  1. According to a report by the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics, in 2020, only 9% of people working in the ICT sector were women, indicating a significant gender gap in the industry.
  2. In the same report, it was found that the majority of people working in the ICT sector in the Netherlands are between the ages of 25-45, with those over 45 being underrepresented.
  3. A survey conducted by Dutch technology magazine Computable found that more than half of the ICT professionals in the Netherlands believe that diversity and inclusivity in the industry are important, but only 16% believe that their organisations are doing enough to promote it.
  4. Another survey by the Dutch technology association, Nederland ICT, found that only 6% of people working in the industry come from non-Western backgrounds, highlighting a lack of ethnic diversity in the sector

At our academy, we welcome beginners, and our curriculum is designed to be accessible to everyone. We have produced almost 800 junior developers over the years, and we are constantly updating and upgrading our curriculum to match the ever-developing demands of modern web development. Our learners have the Job Readiness Guarantee, meaning that upon completing the course, they will have the necessary skills and knowledge to apply for their first job in software development.

During our nine-week full-time course, our learners will learn to write full-stack applications in Javascript and Python, the most used programming languages by coders everywhere. They will learn cutting-edge and in-demand technologies, tools, and approaches that development teams around the world are looking to implement. Our teachers are industry experts who are also freelance software developers, ensuring that they are always updated with the latest knowledge and know-how in the industry.

Not only does a career in tech offer competitive salaries and job opportunities, but it also provides a sense of fulfillment that comes with creating, innovating, and solving real-world problems. Tech is an industry that is ever-evolving and in constant need of fresh perspectives and diverse talent. Transferable skills are highly valued in the tech industry as they bring a unique perspective to problem-solving.

For example, someone with a background in marketing may have a different approach to user experience design than someone with a background in computer science. This diversity of thought can lead to more innovative solutions and ultimately, better products. At our Academy, we believe that everyone should have access to the opportunities and benefits that come with a career in tech. That's why we offer financing options and partner with organisations that share our mission of promoting diversity and accessibility in the industry.

To quote our founder, "We are committed to diversifying the IT and tech industry by making it more accessible to everyone. Our goal is to equip our learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the ever-changing world of tech. We believe that diversity and inclusivity are key to innovation and progress, and we are proud to be a part of the solution."


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