Sunday 12 October, marked a proud moment for the entire SpikeUp.AI community: the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2025!

After seven months of intensive learning, collaboration, and personal growth, we are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our newest graduates: Abdullah Wahas, Arwa Osman, Eidmon Tesfaye , Jember Hadush, Mohamed Al-Sharafi, Ola Arab, Omar Khaled Omar Ba Slaim, and Yeabsira Belete Mamo.

Each of these graduates has completed the rigorous SpikeUp.AI Data Engineering Bootcamp, a transformative journey designed to prepare refugees and newcomers for a successful career in the tech industry. This achievement reflects not only academic excellence but also the discipline and perseverance required to complete a demanding program , from maintaining high attendance and consistently delivering assignments to earning globally recognised, and notoriously challenging, certifications in data and AI. It embodies true commitment, resilience, and the power of learning to rebuild, succeed, and build a new future.

A 7-Month Journey from Learning to Application

Over the past seven months, our students immersed themselves in a comprehensive curriculum covering Python, SQL, Power BI, machine learning, and cloud computing. Beyond mastering technical concepts, they learned to work collaboratively, solve real-world data challenges, and present insights with confidence.

To become a SpikeUp.AI graduate, students must go far beyond classroom theory. They are required to:
Pass professional certification exams such as Google Data Analytics, Google Cloud Data Engineer, Google Cloud Digital Leader and IBM Data Science, recognised worldwide by employers.
Complete a two-month practical capstone project with a partner company, applying their knowledge to a real business case and demonstrating their readiness for the job market.

This blend of academic rigor, hands-on experience, and mentorship is what makes the SpikeUp.AI program unique, and why our graduates are so well-prepared to contribute from day one.

Inspiring Capstone Presentations

During the ceremony, the graduates presented their final projects, and the results were truly impressive. Each team showcased not only strong technical skills but also the ability to extract meaningful insights from complex data, communicate findings clearly, and propose actionable recommendations.

From optimising business operations to improving customer engagement and analysing sustainability data, the capstone projects reflected both the diversity of the students’ interests and the relevance of data and AI across industries.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Deloitte, Artefact, Albert Heijn, Future Facts and UWV, who mentored students throughout their projects, providing guidance, feedback, and professional insights that helped bridge the gap between learning and real-world application. Their involvement demonstrates the power of collaboration between the corporate world and educational initiatives like SpikeUp.AI.

Gratitude to Our Partners and Volunteers

The success of the SpikeUp.AI Class of 2025 is also a celebration of our entire community. None of this would have been possible without the continued support of our partners, sponsors, and volunteers, from instructors and mentors to HR professionals who contribute their time and expertise.

Together, we are not just teaching technical skills; we are creating opportunities, building confidence, and empowering people to pursue meaningful careers in tech. Every volunteer session, every company project, and every mentoring conversation plays a crucial role in helping our participants unlock their potential.

Looking ahead

As we close this chapter, we look forward with excitement. The SpikeUp.AI Class of 2025 enters the next stage of their journey, ready to contribute their skills, perspectives, and determination to the future of work.

To all our graduates: Congratulations once again! Your achievements inspire us all, and we cannot wait to see the great things that will accomplish.