Exciting news for tech enthusiasts in Germany! Our Speak & Code Academy is set to kick off its 4th round this summer, offering a transformative journey for expats, immigrants, refugees, and anyone looking to kick-start their career in the German tech industry while learning the language and culture. With a variety of brand new benefits for applicants, we have updated our program and promise to be the most empowering yet.
What is the Speak & Code Academy?
The Speak & Code Academy is a joint initiative of Le Wagon, Lingoda and Kiron. It’s a comprehensive educational pathway designed to empower refugees and migrants to start a career in the thriving tech scene. It is driven by a vision of inclusive empowerment and responds to the critical need for fair and dynamic integration of migrants in Germany. Historically, these individuals have faced enormous challenges due to limited educational opportunities and a lack of tailored programs.
Bureaucratic hurdles, educational barriers and limited opportunities have hindered the professional development of migrants. The Speak & Code Academy aims to break down these barriers by providing a certified and holistic program tailored to diverse backgrounds. By aligning our curriculum with industry needs, we help participants secure high-paying jobs and achieve meaningful integration into society.
Learning coding, German and cultural integration
The Speak & Code program offers a comprehensive six-month curriculum covering three essential pillars: web development, language skills, and cultural integration.
Web development
In the web development module, students dive deep into the world of software fundamentals and databases to graduate as junior web developers. They learn front-end development and web design, build their own applications from scratch, and finish with a fully functional product to add to their portfolio. Throughout the course, students adopt best-in-class development workflows and become proficient in a range of tools and languages, including HTML, JavaScript, Ruby, SQL, Figma, and GitHub.
Language learning with Lingoda
Language skills are essential for effective communication and integration into German society. With Lingoda’s customized German language courses, students progress through 2-3 levels of German in the course of the program. They cover grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary and essential language usage. These interactive lessons, tailored to individual starting levels, prepare students to communicate confidently in both professional and social settings in Germany.
Cultural integration with Kiron
Understanding German culture, customs and social norms is equally important for seamless integration into society. Through Kiron’s comprehensive curriculum, participants learn the fundamentals and history of German society. They explore cultural nuances, gain insights into social and personal integration, and receive guidance on professional integration. This module equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the German job market with confidence.
“My experience at Le Wagon was transformative. The comprehensive curriculum, hands-on projects, and supportive community provided a dynamic learning environment. The instructors’ expertise and the collaborative spirit among classmates made the program both challenging and fulfilling. I graduated not just with coding skills but with a sense of belonging to a supportive network.”
Eric, Speak & Code graduate from Ethiopia
Strong partnerships to support our applicants and students
We are thrilled to announce that the Speak & Code Academy has formed strategic partnerships with Babbel, Coursera, and Virtual Internships to provide additional support and resources for applicants and students.
1. Babbel: Speak & Code Academy applicants and students eligible for a Bildungsgutschein receive premium licenses from Babbel. These licenses are designed to improve language skills, a crucial aspect of settling in Germany. Whether it’s mastering basic phrases or polishing conversational skills, Babbel offers a flexible platform for language learning tailored to the unique needs of each participant.
2. Coursera: Through an exclusive partnership, Speak & Code participants have free access to Coursera courses. With a wide range of courses spanning a variety of technical disciplines, Coursera offers participants the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills. Priority is given to applicants who demonstrate a real need for these skills to advance their career prospects in the tech industry.
3. Virtual Internships: For a seamless transition from the classroom to the tech industry, Virtual Internships provide real-world work experience where our graduates can apply their newly acquired knowledge to real-world projects and increase their employability and competitiveness in the German tech job market. Through Virtual Internships, participants gain invaluable insight and hands-on experience that enhances their skills and prepares them for success in their future careers.
Financing the Speak & Code Academy
The Speak & Code program can be fully financed with a Bildungsgutschein, a special training voucher issued by the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter.
Who is eligible? Residents of Germany who meet the following criteria:
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- At least B1 level of English, preferably B2 and above
- (Soon to be) unemployed and registered in Germany OR spouse of a skilled migrant OR refugee
- Able to commit to a 24-week course, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
To determine eligibility, prospective applicants can use the eligibility checker tool on the Speak & Code website, which determines whether applicants are eligible and can proceed with their application in just 30 seconds.
Why you should join the Speak & Code Academy
As the tech landscape in Germany continues to evolve and the demand for skilled workers reaches new records every year, the Speak & Code Academy remains at the forefront of empowering aspiring tech professionals looking to launch a career in Germany. With its holistic approach, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to supporting participants, the program is poised to unlock a world of opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our mission is deeply rooted in the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to find work and put down roots in Germany. Don’t miss your chance to embark on a transformative journey – join Speak & Code today and redefine your future in Germany’s dynamic tech industry.
Want to learn more? Visit our website to explore the prorgam, check your eligibility, and get in touch with our advisors.
