„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 stepping up the pace of digitalisation and, with the
non-profit educational institute 42 Prague, we are creating the ideal prerequisites for first-class training of top-motivated IT specialists.“
Christian Schenk, Board Member for Finance and IT
„Comprehensive training in IT is one of the most important competencies for the success of the digital transformation. 42 Prague will offer practical, in-depth training that will enable us to develop highly qualified junior staff in the field of software. 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, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for People & Culture
After “42 Wolfsburg” which was founded in May 2021, “42 Prague” will become the next branch member of the educational network of programmers “École 42”, which will be associated with the Volkswagen Group.. The Czech IT training centre is scheduled to open as early as May 2022. Up to 450 future programmers will be trained there free of charge as they prepare for new careers and professional roles. Based on peer-to-peer feedback and gamification, the most important software programming languages will be taught practically, with an additional focus on continuous learning and strengthening social skills.
The École 42 network was founded in Paris in 2013 and has established itself worldwide as an authority in IT education. Around 12,000 students are now learning within the system at 35 locations in 22 countries. The schools train some of the finest IT professionals in the world, and 98 per cent of graduates receive an attractive job offer even before they graduate.
ŠKODA AUTO will be running the non-profit educational institute 42 Prague as founder and sponsor and with the support of numerous partners from the technology and education sectors. Students will be able to study without tuition fees 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 applicants will be selected. The three- to five-year training also includes two internships within a flexible schedule, for example at ŠKODA AUTO.
The application process and enrolment are set 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 learning environment. The Head of the ŠKODA Academy, Alois Kauer, and the Head of ŠKODA IT, Klaus Blüm, are responsible for setting up the institute; they will be working with a cross-divisional project team and ŠKODA University to get the new software institute off the ground.
