The Start IT – Cisco4Ukraine programme was inaugurated at the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów. The programme was designed for Ukrainian refugees who want to develop their digital skills. The goal is to train 10,000 people over the next two years. 

The courses within the Start IT – Cisco4Ukraine programme include the areas of Cyber Security and Programming, and soon the courses of Data Analysis and Computer Networks will be launched. The courses are conducted in Ukrainian.

Participation in the Start IT programme is free, and anyone can take part, regardless of their level of technical knowledge. This means new career opportunities for people who have had to emigrate from their country, leave their current job and are now looking for a new, suitable job.

At a basic level, the Start IT programme is aimed at people who are just starting to learn about new technologies or are considering a career change to an employment path where digital competences are essential. At an advanced level, the programme is aimed at IT professionals interested in improving their professional skills and can help them gain new certifications.

Start IT is part of the Cisco Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme in Poland. CDA is a long-term strategic partnership with national and regional authorities, key economic sectors and academia to help accelerate the country’s digital agenda and open up new opportunities for the country, its businesses and its citizens.

Cisco CDA operates in more than 40 countries around the world and, more recently, in Poland. The CDA programme in Poland is based on 3 key pillars: strengthening national cyber security, digital transformation of key industries and developing digital skills.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński