​Individuals who wish to enter or switch their career path to become a software developer now have the opportunity to pick up the relevant skills under a new immersive programme called ThoughtWorks Jumpstart!. 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. This programme is a two-year collaboration between ThoughtWorks and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) under the TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) initiative.

“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.”

As a pioneer and leader in lean and agile software development, ThoughtWorks has designed the JumpStart! programme, targeted primarily at individuals from non-ICT backgrounds, especially those from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), but with foundational programming knowledge and a passion for seeking a career as a software developer using the agile methodology.

Jumpstart! provides 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 allows participants to leverage the expertise of the ThoughtWorks instructors who 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.

This immersive programme is part of IMDA’s TeSA initiative which aims to train individuals with the relevant infocomm skills and to enhance their employability. 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.

ThoughtWorks Jumpstart! will commence on 26th February 2018 in Singapore. Applicants can now visit JumpStart! (to find out more about the programme.

About 33Talent

33Talent is a multi-award winning consultancy that provides talent acquisition, engagement and management solutions across APAC and Europe. We bring an impactful blend of innovation, strategy and delivery to businesses and talent, to help them to grow and prosper in an increasingly complex business world.

Employers who are interested in hiring graduates of the programme can find out more here.

About TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA)

The TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) is a tripartite initiative between the 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.

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), which drives TeSA for ICT professional development, takes an integrated approach to ICT skills acquisition and practitioner training – in core ICT skills and in sector-specific ICT skills – and enhance employability outcomes through place and train programmes, and career advisory services. As of November 2017, TeSA has enabled more than 16,000 ICT professionals to up-skill and re-skill themselves. #Career