“EduBits – IT Courses” – WHAM

In March 2020, within the framework of the USAID project “Workforce and Higher Access to Markets (WHAM)”, a grant agreement was signed between Bit Alliance and USAID for the implementation of the project “EduBits – IT Courses.”

The project was developed as a response to the growing demand for qualified IT professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina and, through various training and technical education programs, directly contributed to the employment of new experts and the strengthening of IT company capacities.

Project Goals

• Enable professional training and employment of new IT professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• Improve the technical skills of the existing workforce in the IT industry.

• Connect unemployed individuals and youth with Bit Alliance member companies.

• Create training programs aligned with the specific needs of the IT market.

Activities

The project “Support to IT Educational Initiatives,” implemented under the EduBits program, included three types of training:

• In-company IT training for employment purposes – 62 participants

• Up-skill training for the existing IT workforce – 21 participants

• Courses for the unemployed and the general public – 70 participants

During 2020, a total of 153 participants completed the training programs, 25 of whom were employed after completing the courses.

In 2021, 13 courses were conducted in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, and Tuzla, successfully completed by 104 participants, of whom 20 gained employment in IT companies during the project’s duration.

The courses were designed based on industry needs, following an analysis of demand for specific IT profiles across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Results

• 13 IT courses held in four cities.

• A total of 257 participants trained during 2020 and 2021.

• 45 participants employed in IT companies after completing the training.

• Direct connections established between participants and Bit Alliance member companies.

Participating companies included Authority Partners, ECHO Technology Solutions, Klika, LANACO, Ministry of Programming, PlanetSoft, and Way7 Technologies, all of which contributed to the successful implementation of the training through mentorship and technical support.

Long-Term Impact

The EduBits – IT Courses project made a significant contribution to the development of a qualified IT workforce in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By empowering youth and unemployed individuals, improving employee skills, and fostering collaboration with companies, Bit Alliance helped establish a sustainable model for competency development in the IT industry. This project stands as a successful example of synergy between international partners, the education sector, and domestic companies.