Grit:lab will be launching in 2022 as the innovative, alternative IT program. The focus is to encourage and teach its 50 students to become the tech developers of the future. No experience or previous basic knowledge of coding or IT is necessary to be admitted to the classes.

Francois Maugis, CTO at Paf, commented: “Grit:lab is looking for those who have talent and the right personal drive forward, regardless of their age, gender or where they come from. I have no doubt that these students will get a tech job after their education.”

The school teaches coding based around the 01 Edu platforms methodology; a peer-to-peer code learning platform with alternative methods, in contrast to traditional IT educational services. The Grit:lab is a project-based, self-learning environment, followed by a two-year learning process.

“Grit:lab is looking for those who have talent and the right personal drive forward, regardless of their age, gender or where they come from. I have no doubt that these students will get a tech job after their education”Francois Maugis, CTO at Paf

The foundation for the educational program commenced in France and is seen as ‘an excellent education for a career within tech’ 'There are now similar programs in 40 different countries globally.

Fredrik Karlström, Minister of Trade and Industry in Åland's provincial government, commented: “This is an important investment for our tech companies in Åland, which have a large demand for IT-educated personnel. I strongly believe in this modern concept of educating oneself in IT. Where different people with different backgrounds are combined with the creativity that exists in the Paf house.”

The training will be run in Paf's head office, by Paf, in Åland, supplying students proximity to the latest technology and tech-inspired campus environment.

Daniela Johansson, Deputy CEO and CRO at Paf, said: “We are convinced that this will be good and in the end Grit:lab can help us find the tech talents we need.

“But the training is not only for Paf, it is for all IT companies. And we hope that many companies want to become partner companies for the education program, so that we can both help and get help from the IT students.”

How to apply to Grit:lab?

Around the turn of the year, 2021/2022, the application process will take place by means of an online test. After the results of the primary test, 150 applicants will have the opportunity to continue to the next step, after which a further 50 successful students will start their education program with the Grit:lab, free of charge, in August 2022.

Anna-Lena Svenblad, Development Director at Paf and Paf’s project manager for Grit:lab, said: “The people we are looking for are people who have a logical mindset but above all have a commitment and the will to develop themselves. Talent alone without effort is not enough to achieve results.”

“If you want to be part of Grit:lab, you need to have 'grit', the energy and a passion to find solutions so that you get past obstacles and setbacks with the help of others without giving up.

"When it is challenging, you are driven by the desire to move forward towards the goal and at the same time along the way you like to collaborate and co-create solutions together with others.”