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“My name is Andrés Ordóñez and I would like to tell you how the Java certification from Swisscontact and ADA School kick-started my career and opened doors for me in the technology industry.” In his second year of studies, 19-year-old Andrés understood that work experience and a strong portfolio are key to establishing himself in the software industry. Due to the high market demand, he decided to specialise in backend development, specifically Java and Spring Boot.
As there is no specific training for the technology sector in Guatemala, it is difficult to meet the high demand for software developers. The training opportunities available are still unable to fully meet the requirements of the private sector.
Innova is responding to this discrepancy between supply and demand by developing technical standards for the certification of work skills. The standards serve as a basis for the training and certification of skilled workers in accordance with the skills required by the labour market. These skills are assessed in real or simulated work situations. This ensures that employees meet the requirements and increases the opportunities available to them on the labour market.
Swisscontact established a committee for hands-on practical training in the technology sector. This committee developed two technical standards for mid-level developers in 2023 and 2024: one for back-end development with Java Spring Boot and one for front-end development with JavaScript/React. These certifications are designed to meet Guatemala’s demand for IT specialists. Despite the high demand, finding a job in the country remains a difficult endeavour. The certifications are intended for people seeking employment in the IT sector as well as those wishing to further develop their skills.
The ADA School, an educational institution specialising in technology, plays a central role in creating the certification standards and implementing the certification process. Its involvement ensures that both the content and assessment of skills are in line with the requirements of the business sector. The ADA School has also developed a digital platform for the Innova project, which can be used to manage the entire process online, from training and examinations through to certification.
The project also relies on the expertise of AGEXPORT's IT outsourcing committee. This Guatemalan exporters association enhances the programme’s relevance and its compatibility with the requirements of the private sector. It is planned that AGEXPORT will continue to manage the process via the online platform after the end of the project. This will ensure that the initiative is sustainable and fit for the future.
The certification standards offer decisive advantages to both employees and employers:
So far, the project has certified 60 people, with 85 more certifications in the pipeline. In addition, access to the programme is to be expanded for the remainder of 2024.
One of the main objectives of certification is to officially recognise individuals who can demonstrate that they have the required knowledge and skills. This should enable them to stand out on the labour market and gain new opportunities for economic and social development.
Andrés is currently developing a banking system comprising 14 microservices, a personal project that he created during his final project for the certification. “This challenging project shows the solid foundation I gained during certification, and I'm really looking forward to implementing it. I recommend the certification to anyone who wants to specialise in backend development. Not only does it provide valuable knowledge, but it also positions you in an area that is in high demand and increases your market value.”
Andrés Ordóñez's story shows the great impact that proper training and certification can have on a young person's career. Thanks to the support of Swisscontact and the ADA School, Andrés not only acquired the necessary skills to stand out in the technology industry, but also gained new opportunities to grow in this ever-changing industry.
This project is financed by the Medicor Foundation, Esperanza Foundation, Gebauer Foundation, and atDta-Foundation, among other donors. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.