In September 2022, Sigma Software University launched student training as part of the IT Generation project. At that time, out of more than 10,500 applications, 180 of the most talented candidates were selected to study with Sigma Software University trainers across seven tracks: Java, JavaScript, Python, Business Analysis, Software Testing, HR Fundamentals, and Recruitment Fundamentals.
All seven programs were developed by practicing experts from our company. They were adapted for entry-level students and combined the essential theoretical foundation with a strong emphasis on practical experience. Sigma Software University’s program stood out due to its focus on hands-on training, which is often what beginners lack the most.
For the practical phase, 11 strong teams were formed from students in technical tracks, each including representatives of different IT specializations. This allowed them to work in a real project environment and practice communication with other IT team members as well as with a client. The participants were guided by nine experienced mentors from Sigma Software, and together the teams developed real digital solutions — three of which were pet projects with actual clients.
The first project, Sniff, was aimed at helping homeless animals. The team’s task was to create an application enabling users in Ukraine — and eventually worldwide — to share information about animals in need of care or assistance.
The second project was a website for the A-HELP Charity Foundation, established by Kharkiv entrepreneur Roman Hrybkov to support residents of Kharkiv and the Kharkiv region affected by military actions.
The third project, CryptoChat, was an Android application designed to provide encrypted communication via text messages.
Students presented their achievements to Sigma Software experts, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the Lviv IT Cluster, receiving highly positive feedback on their work.
Several students shared their impressions of the program:
“IT Generation is a program that gives Ukrainians an incredible opportunity to explore the IT field and master a new profession. Beyond learning from professionals, we also had the chance to test ourselves on a real project: we discovered how the IT ‘kitchen’ works in practice, what teamwork really means, and the thrill of presenting a finished product. I was lucky to become a participant of IT Generation and a student of Sigma Software University!”
— Kseniia Denysiuk, Software Testing course
“I was very satisfied with the organization of the learning process and the convenient lecture schedule. There were plenty of useful resources and best practices shared throughout the course — though I wish I had had more free time to study new material in depth. I especially want to highlight the practical assignments: completing them helped me consolidate and better absorb the knowledge gained. The experience of working with a real client and delivering a final project — from gathering requirements to implementation — was incredibly valuable. I also gained important experience collaborating in new teams and interacting with other groups. This journey carried a range of emotions, but that’s what real life is all about.
Our mentor, Kateryna Subbotina, was simply wonderful — supportive, motivating, and always open to any questions we had. Thanks to her guidance, this was a truly enjoyable path into a new profession.”
— Ella Hryhorieva, Business Analysis course
“The theoretical and practical parts of the Business Analysis course were easy to understand and full of useful information. The course provided a clear understanding of business analysis in IT. After completing it, you gain sufficient foundational knowledge to start working in this field, useful beginner skills, and an entry point into the industry — even if your previous professional background was different. A major advantage of the training was the real project: within a short timeframe, students from different tracks had to coordinate their work and develop a solution, experiencing the full project lifecycle from idea to finished product.”
— Vitalii Kramarenko, Business Analysis course
About IT Generation
The IT Generation project is implemented by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine in partnership with Binance Charity and the Lviv IT Cluster, with support from the USAID Competitive Economy of Ukraine Program and the project “Digital, Inclusive, Accessible: Supporting Digitalization of Public Services in Ukraine” implemented by UNDP in Ukraine with the support of Sweden.
The main goal of IT Generation is to help talented Ukrainians find their place in one of the most promising industries, continue working, and contribute to the development of Ukraine’s economy for victory and a successful future. Currently, around one thousand Ukrainians have already completed or are still undergoing training within the project.
