Original post on APMG’s web site: http://www.apmg-international.com/en/news-events/439872.aspx

APMG–International, the accreditation and examination body has created an initiative which helps

improve the competencies of professional people across Europe so they can get better employment opportunities.

APMG has made a pledge with reputable PA institutions such as The Spanish Institute of Women and other key stakeholders including Business schools and universities, CIOnet associations, career networks and APMG’s Spanish Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs).

Originally piloted in Madrid, Talent Club was initially started to improve the knowledge, skills and capabilities of unemployed Spanish Women. Talent Club encouraged and supported women to get started and grow within the Information and Technology (ICT) industry. The aim was to equip them with the knowledge, guidance, tools and techniques required to effectively pursue an IT career. Unemployment in Spain is at an all-time high. Unemployment rates are particularly high for women and they do not have the opportunity to work in IT. Half of the women who participated have since found employment. Chiara Mainolfi, Region Manager in Southern Europe said, “The Talent Club has encouraged and supported women to get started in IT.

It is so encouraging to see these results. To date we have worked with fifteen women – providing them with the relevant training and mentoring to learn new skills and develop their existing ones. Everyone has found it an enriching experience.”

The initiative has since expanded its reach across Europe – working to improve the competencies of both male and female professionals. Talent club works to deliver and incorporate some of APMG’s IT qualifications into the programme to educate the scheme’s participants while all the other members of the pledge provide guidance, mentoring and professional for Talent Club’s participants.

According to the European Commission there are currently 800,000 vacancies in IT. The lack of qualified and skilled personnel in the ICT sector was predicted a few years ago – but it is now a reality. It is an opportune time for aspiring IT professionals both men and women to access the industry.

One of Talent Club’s candidates – Nati Vilela who secured a position in a Project Management Office said, “Talent Club was a professional experience. It was very enriching thanks to the training, which always opens new horizons, and to the people I have found on the way, from whom I learnt a lot and shared experiences with.”

About Talent Club: Talent Club is an initiative with resources largely available in Spain and Italy. For further information contact: – Chiara Mainolfi

About APMG International

APMG-International is a global examination institute. Its portfolio of qualifications includes AgilePM®, Change Management, COBIT® 5, ITIL®, and PRINCE2®. APMG-International examinations are available globally and it works with 21 languages. For more information, visit: www.apmg-international.com.