Vienna/Austria, January 21, 2026 – Nagarro, a global leader in digital engineering, and Enterprise Training Center (ETC), a leading provider of digital training in Austria, today announced the continuation of TestingPro in Austria, further developing it into the country’s first dual IT training program for people on the autism spectrum. The program combines technical upskilling, individual mentoring and coaching, and several months of practical experience in companies, with the next cohort starting in spring 2026.  

Around 87,000 people in Austria live on the autism spectrum. Many of them have pronounced strengths such as precision, pattern recognition, analytical thinking, and a high ability to concentrate — skills that are particularly in demand in software testing. At the same time, thousands of IT positions remain unfilled.

“TestingPro closes a gap that has been evident for years,” says  Hannes Färberböck, Managing Director and Head of Nagarro’s global Software Testing business unit. “The IT industry urgently needs qualified testers, while at the same time, there are people with exactly the right skills who have very limited opportunities in the job market. TestingPro brings both sides together.”

Christoph Becker (left, ETC) and Hannes Färberböck (right, Nagarro) © Philipp Grausam 

Dual training model: theory, certification, and real project experience 
The redesigned TestingPro program runs for approximately eight months and is divided into three closely aligned phases: 

  • Matching and preparation:  Selection of participants and tailored placement with partner companies.
  • Professional training:  Software testing, quality management, and preparation for ISTQB® certification.
  • Practical placement: A multi-month internship within a company, supported by individual mentoring, coaching, and regular reflection sessions. 

This practice-oriented structure is designed to facilitate the transition into long-term employment and to build trust between participants and companies at an early stage. 

“We know from INCLUSIVE-IT how important direct practical experience is for a successful entry into the workforce,” emphasizes  Christoph Becker, CEO of ETC. “Many people on the spectrum are underestimated because their strengths only become visible in a real work environment. The dual model creates exactly this environment — and that is what makes TestingPro so effective.” 

Proven success and further development 

TestingPro was initially developed in 2015 with partner organizations and has since successfully trained around 100 graduates. Approximately 80 percent of them went on to find employment in the IT sector. With the new dual structure, the program now enters its most comprehensive phase of development to date. 

“Our goal is a scalable training model that enables sustainable IT careers — not just individual placements,” says Becker. “It’s about real long-term career perspectives and about companies that want to leverage the benefits of neurodiverse teams in a sustainable way.” 

A win-win situation for companies and participants

Companies benefit from the new TestingPro model in several ways: 

  • Access to motivated talent with proven strengths in quality assurance
  • Direct involvement in real-world projects
  • Early collaboration that increases long-term hiring potential
  • Individual support through mentors and coaches
  • Reduced entry barriers through public funding schemes 

“Many companies only realize the value of neurodiverse perspectives once they experience it in everyday work — especially in testing,” says Färberböck. “Working with our graduates quickly makes one thing clear: this is not a social initiative, but a genuine professional asset.” 

About ETC – Enterprise Training Center GmbH

ETC is Austria’s leading provider of digital skills training, educating more than 15,000 participants each year. Its portfolio comprises over 1,200 courses and certifications, ranging from IT fundamentals to highly specialized advanced training. ETC delivers training in flexible formats, including classroom-based courses in Vienna, Graz and Attnang-Puchheim, live online training, hybrid learning models and tailored in-house programs.

For corporate clients, ETC also offers customized talent services to support the identification and development of skilled professionals. As Austria’s exclusive Microsoft Training Service Partner, ETC meets the highest quality standards. This is underpinned by multiple certifications: ETC has been ISO 9001 certified for more than 30 years and also holds Ö-Cert, certNÖ and the Austrian Ecolabel.

www.etc.at 

About Nagarro

Nagarro, a global digital engineering leader, helps clients become fluidic, innovative, digital-first companies and thus win in their markets. The company is distinguished by its entrepreneurial, agile, and global character, its CARING mindset, and its Fluidic Intelligence vision. Nagarro employs around 17,700 people in 39 countries. For more information, visit www.nagarro.com. 

FRA: NA9 (SDAX/TecDAX, ISIN DE000A3H2200, WKN A3H220)

For inquiries, please contact press@nagarro.com.   
This page uses AI-powered translation. Need human assistance? Talk to us