Sber Is to Identify IT Talent in Russia and Train the Next Generation of Professionals

The new educational hub is designed for around 300 participants, including both young people and adults seeking to acquire IT skills and apply them in real-world work. The program is tuition-free but requires applicants to pass entrance tests.

At the President’s Direction

Back in the summer of 2018, Sberbank launched the IT talent development project Shkola 21 at the direction of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Today, the digital technology school operates successfully in nearly 20 cities and focuses on training practice-oriented specialists.

Education at Shkola 21 is free of charge. Applicants must be under 30 years old, and the main requirement is motivation to learn along with basic foundational knowledge. Admission does not require a university degree or prior IT experience. Candidates need only pass entrance tests and an intensive selection process, after which they gain access to a learning program available 24/7.

Less Theory, More Practice

The learning process at the school differs from traditional formats. Instead of standard lectures, seminars, and exams, students focus on hands-on work and collaborative projects. Participants complete real-world tasks that build skills directly relevant to future jobs. There are no mentors, grades, or rigid schedules – the model is based on peer-to-peer learning, where everyone both learns and teaches at the same time.

A Foundation for a Successful Career

The program at Shkola 21 covers a wide range of IT specializations, including backend and frontend development, DevOps, data science, UI/UX design, and cybersecurity. Depending on the chosen track, training can last from one and a half years to several years. Alongside their studies, students gain access to entry-level career opportunities through internships at IT companies, effectively making education the first step into the profession.

Nationwide Reach

The project is already operating in Moscow, Kazan, Novosibirsk, and other Russian cities, attracting a growing number of people each year who want to build a career in the digital sector. Its popularity is also driven by the fact that graduates acquire skills that meet global standards.

For the Orenburg Region, the launch of Shkola 21 represents an opportunity to train local IT specialists who can support the digital transformation of the region’s industrial enterprises, including the gas, petrochemical, and agricultural sectors.

Thanks to the school, local residents will be able to gain in-demand skills, find jobs in the digital economy, and contribute to the economy of the future. Sber CEO German Gref underscored this point, saying: “Industrial development is certainly important, but it is equally important to advance digital services and technologies.”