Qt launches Upskill Academy for next-gen developers

Finnish software company Qt Group has launched a new online academy to help train the next generation of product and software developers.

According to the firm, its new Qt Academy is a free eLearning and career path initiative that will feature bespoke customer-sponsored tracks to give students real-world experiences of working with innovative brands.

The tracks will encompass interactive competitions and projects, granting emerging talent the opportunity to launch or pivot their careers.

Qt Group said that people of all backgrounds will be able to explore designing, developing, and testing apps, solutions, or other types of interfaces as part of their studies, business, or hobby.

“The Academy will be a game-changer for the futures of graduates, career-changers, and other tech enthusiasts, as well as Qt customers and the Qt technologies themselves,” said Tapio Haantie, business line director for Community and eLearning at Qt.

“Any technology is only as effective as the talent that uses it. Investing in eLearning and providing these free courses for anyone shows our commitment to the ecosystem and growing the next generation of currently 1.5 million Qt developers and creators.”

The need to attract and nurture developer talent has never been greater, with IDC predicting the global shortage of full-time developers to grow from 1.5 million in 2021 to 4.0 million in 2025.

Californian-based web AI messenger mobile tech company FYI is set to help Qt Group develop it’s first sponsored track.

It will include frontend and backend modules alongside a competition that will see students create a widget, companion app, or other digital product enhancement for the existing FYI app.

The winner of the competition will present their winning idea at the 2023 Qt World Summit and receive a certificate from Qt and FYI co-founder and CEO will.i.am.