IT Trainer
If you are an IT professional, would like to support our participants in solving IT 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 IT 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 Trainer
Sign Up and 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):
- Support in Web Development: Assist participants during the first 7 weeks on Tuesdays or Fridays (full day or half day).
- Volunteer Online:
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- Mentor/Coach during the JavaScript Team Project: Guide teams on web projects during weeks 9 and 10, focusing on teamwork and agile methodologies.
- Teach or Coach during the Focus Weeks: Support participants in specialized IT tracks such as DevOps, Data Analytics, Web Development, Software Engineering, Testing, IT Support & Networks, Cybersecurity, and AI. The tracks offered will depend on the companies’internship requirements.
- Present your typical day or journey into IT:
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- Online Session: Share your experiences in a 1-hour online session.
- Mock interview:
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- Online mock interviews to help candidates prepare for internship interviews: If you are experienced in recruiting for IT positions and motivated to share your expertise by conducting online mock interviews with our participants, please fill out this form.
- All Year Round:
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- IT Mentor: Provide ongoing support as an IT mentor in your specialized domain.
Information Session
An information session will be held 2-3 weeks before the start of the bootcamp. Dates for this Bootcamp 2024_2 will be Monday 26 of August and Monday 2nd of September at 12.30pm, it will be also announced on our Slack channel #ch-it-trainers and via email to all signed up volunteers. If you are unable to attend, you can find a presentation here for further clarification.
How to Get Involved
- Volunteer Sign Up Form
- Volunteer Form after Sign up: Complete the designated booking hours for volunteers form to participate in one or several roles. These opportunities allow you to share your expertise, mentor aspiring IT professionals, and contribute to their career development in meaningful ways.
When I have an opportunity to learn something new, I get curious and want to learn more, and I ask questions.
Deniz Tokat, Mainframe Junior System Engineer at SIX
When he came to Switzerland three years ago, he first tried to find a job in Mathematics or as a teacher, but it was very difficult because of language problems.
«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.”
