IT Volunteers
If you are a tech professional, would like to support our participants in solving tech challenges and like to work in a team, come join us. We are also open to suggestions if you would like to provide an input on a specific tech theme.
We believe in promoting equal opportunities for diverse talents in the IT industry. Our goal is to open the doors to the labor market for IT-skilled refugees and migrants so that they can regain their independence. We are a non-profit organization that depends on the commitment of many incredible volunteers – people who truly make a difference.
Why
During the bootcamp, our participants choose different focus tracks and learn at their own pace. Therefore, teachers are supported by volunteer trainers to help answer questions from the participants and provide 1:1 support during exercises. You like to teach? Reach out to us – we are always looking for volunteer teachers.
How
Sign up and choose a slot where your skills are required. You can volunteer onsite in Bern/Lausanne/Zurich (2+ half-days total) or answer questions online (2+ half-days total). Alternatively – or additionally -, you can present your typical day or journey into IT (1-2h online).
What we offer
- A (virtual) classroom of refugee and migrant participants eager to learn
- An opportunity to stretch your own knowledge by answering questions
What We're Looking For
- You have experience in a specific IT field (e.g. web development, DevOps, software programming/testing, machine learning)
- You like to support people of diverse backgrounds in their learning (no teaching experience required)
For more information, check our factsheet.
Opportunities to Support as an IT Volunteer
Sign Up in order to receive access to a booking form to choose a slot where your skills are required. There are several ways to volunteer during our bootcamp:
- Volunteer Onsite in Bern, Lausanne, or Zurich (at least 2 half-days):
- Digital Change Agent Foundations: Assist participants during the first 7 weeks on Tuesdays or Fridays (full day or half day) in project-based learning, AI-assisted automation, digital transformation and process efficiency. Participants learn the fundamentals of Agile project management, AI tools, no-code/low-code development, data literacy and system integration.
- Volunteer Online:
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- Mentor/Coach during Project Focus Weeks: Guide teams on a real-life group project in weeks 9 – 10, focusing on teamwork and agile methodologies.
- Support or Coach during the Focus Weeks: Support participants working on one real-life project and/or help them prepare for their internships by improving specific tech skills on companies’ requirements.
- Present your typical day or journey into tech:
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- Online Session: You are also very welcome to share your experiences in tech, in a 30 min online session.
- All Year Round:
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- Mentor: Provide ongoing support as a mentor in your specialized domain.
Information Session
An information session will be held 2-3 weeks before the start of each bootcamp. We have one bootcamp in spring (March–June) and one in autumn (September–December)
How to Get Involved
- Volunteer Sign Up Form
- Volunteer Form after Sign up: After signing up, you will receive more information and a link to a booking form for your volunteering slots.
«My experience as an IT trainer with Powercoders confirms the talent that refugees and migrants bring to the table and how much they can contribute if given a chance. For myself, I get to keep my IT skills fresh, understand how students learn best, and discover other cultures and life experiences. Everyone gets a lot out of it.»
«On joining Powercoders, I was truly impressed by the quality and dedication of all the people involved, professionals and volunteers alike. And the coachees are amazing : talented, hard workers, highly motivated, yet vulnerable, humble and immensely grateful. It’s a honour to stand on their side.»
“Accompanying Powercoders participants on their journeys as a job coach is a deeply rewarding experience. The icing on the cake is when the participant is offered a permanent position at the end of the internship, and has an opportunity to gain financial independence.”
