Babis works in his ‘dream role’ as a web developer in Crete. Together, our Get Into and Get Hired programmes provided his launchpad to success.
Young people from island communities in Greece face particular challenges finding work. Many jobs are seasonal only, and a shortage of sustainable work prospects causes many young jobseekers to leave to seek opportunities further afield.
Digital jobs, including freelance roles, provide critical opportunities for young islanders to secure professional work without leaving. However, breaking into the sector with no prior experience is very challenging, even when, like Babis, they have a relevant degree.
However, with expert support to build his technical skills, create his portfolio and connect with employers, Babis, 28, has landed his first job as a web developer in his home city of Heraklion, Crete. ‘The programme served as a launchpad, equipping me with not just technical prowess, but also the confidence to showcase my talents effectively,’ he explains.
Alongside his job, Babis has recently also started freelancing, continuing to build his skills and experience around managing clients and collaborators. One day in the future, he hopes to set up his own company.
Tangible projects and technical skills
After completing his degree and his compulsory military service, Babis was keen to land his first professional job in web development. But with significant gaps in his knowledge, no work experience and no portfolio to showcase his skills, he knew it would be a struggle.
Babis threw himself into independent online study and practice, and then discovered the Get into Web Development programme, a two-month course delivered in Crete by our partner Bizrupt.
Get Into is an employer-led training programme that offers pathways to work. The content varies depending on the sector – a mixture of general employability skills and technical, sector-specific knowhow. Babis’ course was aimed at young people considering web development as a freelance or employment option.
The programme was a game-changer, combining opportunities for practical learning – for example through a project to build a full-stack website – with expert guidance.
‘Get Into Web Development gave me the chance to learn from a seasoned trainer with deep expertise,’ Babis explains. ‘The program’s most impactful aspect was the hands-on experience of creating something tangible, which significantly boosted my technical skills.’
Connection and opportunity
As well as building his skills, Babis’ impressive project also provided him with a centrepiece for his portfolio, enabling him to showcase his technical prowess to potential employers.
Straight after completing the Get Into programme, Babis signed up for Get Hired. Also run locally by Bizrupt, Get Hired events connect work-ready young jobseekers with employers who have immediate vacancies.
Combining the skills from Get Into with the connections from Get Hired, Babis immediately secured a backend developer role with a leading software development firm.
‘Armed with the expertise gained from the program and a robust portfolio, I successfully navigated my way into a thriving developer role,’ Babis explains. ‘The invaluable networking opportunities and unwavering support from Bizrupt played a pivotal role in clinching my dream role.’
Since Babis took part in Get Into, Bizrupt has developed the programme to focus primarily on preparing young people for success in freelance work. They continue to run both Get Into Freelance and Get Hired programmes.
We also extend our sincere thanks to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation for their generous support and making this story possible.