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A two-year education for computer coders started up in Åland on 31 August 2022.

The education is mainly marketed through Instagram and Facebook. No previous experience in coding is necessary, and the application process opened in December last year. Some 2000 people showed an interest, and 800 completed the first admission test.

The 150 best applicants were invited to a four-week-long introduction in Åland. At the end of that, the final selection was made. The 70 successful students are aged 18 to 43 and their average age is 29. They come from a range of countries including Brazil, Vietnam, India and Ukraine. 24 of the students come from Åland. 

grit:lab was set up by the government of Åland and is being run by Paf, Åland’s gambling company, together with Åland’s vocational high school. The education gives participants 150 study points. It is based on the digital platform ”01edu”, developed by French computer engineer Nicolas Sadirac. The concept is based on self-learning; partly through self-study, partly through cooperation. There are no teachers. Similar concepts exist, including kood/Jõhvi in Estonia.