A new programme for individuals who wish to enter or switch
their career path to become a software developer is being launched under the
Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)
under the TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA)
initiative. This programme, called
ThoughtWorks Jumpstart!, is targeted primarily at individuals from non-ICT backgrounds, especially
those from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields, but with
foundational programming knowledge and a passion for seeking a career as a
software developer using the agile methodology.
TeSA is a tripartite initiative between the Singapore government,
industry and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), to build and develop a
skilled Information and Communications Technology (ICT) workforce for the
Singapore economy, and to enhance employability outcomes for individuals. As of
November 2017, TeSA has enabled more than 16,000 ICT professionals to up-skill
and re-skill themselves.
The three-month Programme, which includes intensive coaching
and mentorship, aims to equip individuals with the critical skills to build
software using an agile approach and is taught by experienced technologists
from ThoughtWorks, a global
software development and digital transformation consultancy and a leader in lean and agile software
development. This programme is a two-year collaboration between
ThoughtWorks and IMDA.
The Programme will
provide individuals with both software development skillset acquisition and
hands-on project experience working alongside seasoned professionals, through a
three-phased development approach. Each class will have up to 20 trainees
to ensure close guidance and mentoring. The small trainee-to-trainer class
format will allow participants to leverage the expertise of the ThoughtWorks
instructors who will work with them on projects to optimise learning potential
and mastering of a specialised skillset in software development and agile
delivery.
The curriculum will cover key foundational elements, agile
software delivery approach and hands-on project training. By the end of the
programme, participants will be equipped with the software engineering skills
and relevant industry experience.
The new programme will commence on 26th February
2018 in Singapore Qualified applicants of Jumpstart! may be eligible for
course fee support and will have the opportunity to kick-start a career in tech
upon completion of the course. ThoughtWorks will be working with recruitment
specialist, 33Talent, who will help
facilitate placement opportunities within their industry network.
“The rapid digitalisation of Singapore’s economy is
projected to create more than 42,000 infocomm technology (ICT) jobs over the
next three years. We are glad that industry partners, such as
ThoughtWorks, are joining IMDA on this journey to train and nurture a strong
pool of ICT professionals and equip our people with the skills to seize these
exciting new career opportunities,” said Ms. Angeline Poh, Assistant Chief
Executive, Industry Development, IMDA.
“Singapore is not alone in facing a shortage of IT talent.
We believe that we have a responsibility to help grow and nurture the tech
talent pool in Singapore,” said Jessie
Xia, Managing Director at ThoughtWorks. “As a company that is passionate
about using software and technology for positive social change, I am proud that
ThoughtWorks is taking action to narrow the skills gap in software development
and agile delivery expertise. We are confident that the ThoughtWorks
Jumpstart! programme will offer more people a specialised skillset, giving
them a head start in building sustainable tech careers.”