OP Financial Group will begin to support the Hive coding school with Supercell. The objective of the partnership is to increase technological expertise in Finland.
"For some time, OP Financial Group has recruited international IT professionals for positions for which there isn't enough local talent in Finland. At the same time, Finland's working-age population is decreasing. Without work-based immigration, we cannot maintain the welfare state and fund public services. This is a challenge that requires solutions. Hive offers the opportunity for motivated people to develop their skills regardless of background, whether they are from Finland or elsewhere in the world. This is essential for Finland's competitiveness," says Timo Ritakallio, President and Group CEO of OP Financial Group.
Hive is a private, free institution based in Sörnäinen, Helsinki that teaches coding without teachers or classes. The school is operated by a non-profit foundation receives funding from software company Supercell and now also from OP Financial Group.
New partners welcome
Supercell originally founded Hive to respond to a growing need for coders, and Hive's mission has been to serve the needs of businesses in Finland.
"In five years, we have achieved amazing results: Hive alumni have been employed by more than a hundred businesses in Finland and have received excellent reviews from their new employers. Hive was founded by Supercell to benefit all businesses in Finland," says Ilkka Paananen, CEO of Supercell.
A total of 245 people have found jobs through Hive. International students account for 60% of students at Hive, nearly all of whom have stayed in Finland after graduating.
"We've achieved excellent results in a short period and created something never seen before in Finland or the Nordics. At the same time, we've forged a path for new kinds of education models. As a private institution, Hive is able to respond quickly to changes in the technology sector and ensure that students receive an education that meets the needs of employers," says Drussila Hollanda, Founder and Chair of the Board of Hive.
Supercell believes that Hive is more important now than ever: much of Finland's future success depends on our ability to train new professionals who understand the challenges and opportunities of the changing technological environment.
"Businesses have a unique opportunity to team up with Hive as a main partner and benefit from collaboration with Hive. We are still looking for one or two main partners that want to ensure access to the best technology talent while investing in the future of Finland and businesses operating in the country."
About Hive
- Hive is a non-profit foundation that serves the Finnish society through its impactful work. In just five years:
- More than 100 businesses have employed Hive alumni, including OP Financial Group, Wolt, Nokia, Tietoevry, ABB, Smartly, the Finnish National Opera and Ballet , F-Secure and Elisa
- A total of 245 people have been employed in the technology sector through the Hive coding school.
- International students account for 60% of the school's students, with nearly all staying in Finland after graduating.
- 59% of students are career changers, who bring valuable skills from their previous professions.
- 60% of students have no previous coding experience before joining Hive.
- Hive is cost-effective and fast: software developer training takes just 18 months.