THRIVE

Upskilling program

Get future-ready. Build AI and professional skills for in-demand jobs in Germany.

Free! No Bildungsgutschein required

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Free

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Online

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Flexible

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Gain

foundational AI skills

Build

in-demand professional skills

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Improve

your language skills for the workplace

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Connect & network

with employers and succeed in your job search

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How THRIVE works

Future-ready foundation track

Start with a mandatory 3-week foundational track in AI literacy, professional skills, and workplace readiness. This foundation prepares you for future-oriented roles across industries, even if you do not continue onto a specialization.

Weeks 1 - 3

~ 450

learners will be selected for this track.

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Duration: 3 months

Learning phase

After the Future-ready foundation track, up to 300 high-performing learners will be selected to continue a specialization in either Machine Learning or Project Management.

Selection is based on professional background, motivation, and performance in the foundation track.


Learners selected for specialization will:

Specialization pathways

Weeks 5 - 12

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  • Complete an 8-week intensive track with portfolio projects
  • Earn industry-recognized certifications
  • Receive advanced mentorship in their chosen field

Good to know:

Access to optional language training and career development resources begins at this phase.

Specialization is optional. All learners access language training, career preparation, and our alumni network.

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Job-readiness phase

Duration: 3 months

Continue with expert-led German or English language courses and live practice sessions to prepare for the workplace.

Ongoing language training

Career preparation

Take part in coaching and monthly workshops to prepare for long-term, meaningful employment.

Job search support

Receive personalized CV reviews, application feedback, and invitations to job fairs and employer networking events.

Transition to employment

Access career opportunities including internships and traineeships, subject to availability).

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Intake 1: April 2026 – September 2026, Intake 2: May 2026 – October 2026

Upcoming intakes

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Which specialization are you interested in?

Specialization is optional

2 months

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5 hours / week

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Machine learning

Build future-ready machine learning skills through practical, portfolio-ready projects.

  • Build and deploy robust, scalable and impactful machine learning models using industry-standard Python tools ( e.g. PyTorch)
  • Evaluate model performance and recognize limitations
  • Communicate AI integration insights to non-technical stakeholders

You will learn to:

Certification available

Embedded certification by the Applied AI Institute for Europe, plus micro-credentials from DataCamp

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Ideal for those with working knowledge of Python (familiarity w/ Python programming, common data structures, and libraries e.g., NumPy and Pandas) and min. 1 year of professional experience working with data (not necessarily in data science role)

Join the waitlist
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Project management

Prepare to lead AI-enabled projects and digital transformation initiatives across industries.

  • Manage projects using AI-supported tools and workflows
  • Improve coordination and decision-making with AI insights
  • Conduct AI-assisted market research and user testing
  • Integrate AI findings into project planning and roadmaps

You will learn to:

Certifications available

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) by Project Management Institute (PMI), plus micro-credentials from PMI

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Ideal for those with min. 1 year of experience in project coordination, operations, product management or business roles and interest in applying AI tools to project and product workflows

Join the waitlist

Starting April, 2026

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Why THRIVE works

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Learn at your own pace and join scheduled live sessions for extra support.

THRIVE Fits Your Schedule

Language support for your career

Improve your German or English through courses and live practice sessions.

Career coaching & support

Get personalized CV reviews, LinkedIn profile optimization, LinkedIn Premium codes. Join monthly workshops to build job-readiness skills.

Direct access to industry insights

Learn from guest speakers and professionals working in tech. Attend job fairs and employer networking events.

Stay motivated through study groups and peer learning sessions. Join our alumni network of 500+ THRIVE graduates.

Access internships, traineeships, further certification programs and direct employer connections (subject to performance and availability).

Real opportunities

Supportive community

All for FREE!

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Machine learning vs. Project management: Which specialization pathway fits you?

Machine learning


Machine learning skills are in high demand as organizations rely on data-driven and automated solutions.


You’ll be a great fit if you:

  • Have working knowledge of Python.
  • Have a minimum of 1 year experience working with data in a professional context.
  • Are curious about how machine learning is shaping the future of data work. Enjoy building, testing, and improving technical solutions.
  • Want to apply machine learning to real business problems.
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Project management


Project managers with AI knowledge are increasingly needed to lead digital and technology-driven projects across industries.


You’ll be a great fit if you:

  • Have a minimum of 1 year experience in project coordination, operations, product, or business roles.
  • Are curious about how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of project management.
  • Enjoy planning, organizing, and working with cross-functional teams.
  • Want to use AI to improve decision-making and project outcomes.

OR

Career paths after THRIVE: Junior AI Engineer, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Trainee, AI Solutions Trainee, and more.

Career paths after THRIVE: AI Project Manager, AI Project Coordinator, Product Specialist, Digital Transformation Associate and more.

THRIVE graduates are already building careers across Europe

Hear from previous participants


Alina, THRIVE participant

“I was able to secure an internship at UBS in Switzerland as a full-stack and AI developer specialising in machine learning. THRIVE provided me with a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for offering such a high-quality, supportive programme.”

Secured a new job

Clelia talking to another women

Viktoriia, THRIVE Graduate

“Completing THRIVE gave me not only knowledge and practical skills but also the confidence that I can achieve my professional goals here in Germany.”

Confidence to succeed

Halyna smiling into the camera

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Dina, THRIVE participant

“At the THRIVE celebration event, I presented my learning journey to attendees. I was approached by two professionals from an organization there for an interview and got an offer.”

Job opportunities

Dina, past Thrive participant

Can I join THRIVE?

You can apply if you:

  • Live in Germany.
  • Are a woman or non-binary individual with displacement experience (i.e. refugee, asylum seeker, person with temporary protection, or migrant).
  • Have at least B1 English (and preferably, B1 German).
  • Can commit 5 hours per week for 6 months.
  • Have at least one year of work experience related to your preferred pathway.
Thrive student holding up a sign saying "I code my future with THRIVE"
Join the waitlist

Places are limited.

Selection is based on motivation and eligibility.

Free! No Bildungsgutschein required

Sign up for THRIVE
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Sponsored & supported by:

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is THRIVE?

THRIVE by Kiron is a skills development and employability program that equips women and non-binary individuals with forced displacement experience in Germany with technical, AI and professional skills, enabling them to access tech careers while addressing regional talent shortages.

Is THRIVE conducted in person?

No. THRIVE is mainly online, with courses and virtual sessions. Optional meetups and job fairs may take place in person to support your job search.

Will I get a certificate after I finish?

Yes. You will receive a certificate of program completion from Kiron. If you meet the requirements of your chosen pathway, you may also receive additional pathway certificates.

How many hours per week do I need to commit to THRIVE?

5 hours per week. Online courses can be completed at any time, while live sessions and webinars have scheduled times.

What happens if I do not continue to a specialization pathway?

If you are not selected for a specialization or choose not to pursue one after completing the Future-ready foundation track, you can still participate in THRIVE’s language and career components and join the THRIVE alumni community. You will also be automatically placed on a waitlist for a future intake.

I already applied to other Kiron programs. May I sign up for this program as well?

Yes! You may apply to multiple programs as long as you have enough time and motivation to manage the workload.

Do I need a degree to apply?

No. You can apply if you have at least one year of relevant work experience or a university degree in a related field.

What do the live sessions include?

They include tutoring sessions with expert professionals to discuss your tasks, interactive webinars with guest speakers from top companies on topics like soft skills and job search tips, and optional group study sessions to keep you motivated.

Are there any hidden costs? Do I have to pay for the certificates?

No. THRIVE is completely free. There are no hidden costs. Completing courses, projects, or exams allows you to receive certificates at no cost.

Do I have to be a registered refugee to participate?

No. EU refugee status is not required to join the program.

Do I need to provide a certificate to show I meet the B1 level in English or German?

No. You can use free resources to test your German and English language skills.

How does the optional language component work?

The optional language component helps you progress to the next language level. You need at least B1 to join, and you can opt in after being accepted into THRIVE.

Is there a job guarantee?

No. THRIVE does not offer a job guarantee. However, you will have multiple opportunities to develop your career, including webinars, 1:1 sessions with professionals, and an event at the end of the program to meet potential employers.

I don’t have a laptop or tablet but meet all eligibility criteria. Can you provide one if I am accepted?

Yes. A limited number of devices are available for accepted applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I finish the program early if I have more time?

Yes. You can complete the online courses earlier, but live events and community networking dates which count towards total program completion are fixed.

What happens after I register?

You will receive a confirmation email after registration. If selected, you will get instructions for onboarding and starting your cohort.

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THRIVE
Upskilling program

Get future-ready. Build AI and professional skills for in-demand jobs in Germany.

Join the waitlist
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