ŠKODA AUTO signs a memorandum of understanding to create the non-profit educational institute “42 Prague”
Mladá Boleslav, November 11, 2021 – Together with other partners, ŠKODA AUTO supports the creation of a non-profit programming institute in Prague. Maren Gräf, board member of ŠKODA AUTO for people and culture, and Christian Schenk, board member for finance and IT, signed a letter of intent with Sophie Viger, CEO of The School 42. The concept of single teaching is not based on professors or a fixed lecture schedule, but on practice-oriented learning and the “principle of gamification and peer learning”.
“With the establishment of 42 Prague, ŠKODA AUTO is actively pursuing its transformation from a traditional car manufacturer to a software-oriented company. We are accelerating the pace of digitization and, with the
non-profit educational institute 42 Prague, we create the ideal conditions for top-notch training of the most motivated IT specialists. ”
Christian Schenk, member of the board of directors for finance and IT
“Comprehensive computer training is one of the most important skills for the success of digital transformation. 42 Prague will offer practical and in-depth training which will enable us to develop a highly qualified junior staff in the software field. At the same time, as one of the largest private sector employers in the country, we are committed to further strengthening the Czech Republic as an international high-tech location. ”
Maren Gräf, Board Member of ŠKODA AUTO for People and Culture
After “42 Wolfsburg” which saw the light of day in May 2021, “42 Prague” will become the next member branch of the educational network of programmers “School 42”, which will be associated with the Volkswagen group. The Czech IT training center is scheduled to open as early as May 2022. Up to 450 future programmers will be trained there free of charge to prepare for new careers and professional roles. Based on peer review and gamification, the most important software programming languages will be taught in a hands-on manner, with additional emphasis on lifelong learning and building social skills.
The École 42 network was founded in Paris in 2013 and has established itself around the world as an authority in computer science education. Around 12,000 students are now learning within the system at 35 sites in 22 countries. Schools train some of the best IT professionals in the world, and 98 percent of graduates receive an attractive job offer before they even graduate.
ŠKODA AUTO will lead the non-profit educational institute 42 Prague as founder and sponsor and with the support of many partners from the technology and education sectors. Students will be able to study tuition-free and do not need a traditional school certificate or university degree. After passing a demanding online aptitude test, talent and motivation will be assessed during a four-week practical trial period and the most promising candidates will be selected. The three to five year course also includes two flexible internships, for example at ŠKODA AUTO.
The application process and registration is expected to begin in May 2022, with the first semester starting in September 2022. The Prague campus will be open 24/7 and will be equipped with high-tech equipment to provide students with the best possible possible learning environment. The director of the ŠKODA Academy, Alois Kauer, and the director of ŠKODA IT, Klaus Blüm, are responsible for the establishment of the institute; they will work with an interdivisional project team and ŠKODA University to launch the new software institute.
