We're building a tech academy in Ghana
A permanent computer training academy for young people who face barriers to college or university, preparing them for remote careers with international companies.
150
young people trained every two years
Why Ghana, why now
57% of Ghana's population is under 25.
Unemployment hits young people hardest, and the barriers to a tech career are real.
Access
Limited access to computers and reliable internet.
Resources
Too few quality learning resources for tech skills.
The gender gap
Women are under-represented in tech careers.
Networks
Few professional networks or mentors to open doors.
Our goals
What the academy will do
Train 150 young people
Every two years, through a structured bootcamp.
Technical skills
Databases (SQL, Oracle, .NET), web and app development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Adobe) and software development (C++, Java, Python, Ruby).
Soft skills
Communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, leadership and project management.
Remote work
Graduates work remotely with international companies, project-managed by Shapeways.io.
Entrepreneurship
Mentorship, resources and access to funding for graduates starting businesses.
Inclusion
Recruitment targets: 65% women and 70% learners from low-income households.
Programme structure
Two years of training, then lifelong support
Year one: training
Pre-training assessments to tailor the curriculum, then technical and soft skills training with ongoing mentoring and regular evaluations.
Year two: work
Remote-work training, a 3-month remote placement with UK and US companies, mentoring, networking events and four 2-hour employability and tech workshops.
Aftercare
An online job platform run by Shapeways.io, advocacy for remote roles, and 1:1 help with interviews, CVs and portfolios.
Building progress
From two plots to an academy
The site includes the academy building and a security post. Here’s how it’s coming along.
How it will look
Get involved
Help us open the doors
Every contribution, big or small, brings the academy closer to its first cohort.
Industry expertise
Advise on curriculum and help us stay close to what employers need.
Donations and funding
Fund construction, equipment or learner places.
Tech equipment
Donate laptops, monitors, networking kit or software.
Voluntary work
Give your time on-site in Ghana or remotely.
Partnership
Partner with us on recruitment, placements or delivery.
Tech mentoring
Mentor a learner through their training and first job.
Build the future with us
Talk to us about funding, equipment, placements or mentoring for the Ghana academy.