Build digital skills for the job market

The Pre-MEST program is a 12-week, full-time, tuition-free early-stage training program designed to help participants acquire skills in software development and digital marketing.

Through workshops, training sessions and practical learning, trainees in the program are taught the core skills needed to develop relevant usable skills in technology and business, and launch a career in these fields. Upon graduating, participants are matched with internship opportunities to further enable them to apply these skills and gain relevant work experience for the job market.

More Than Just Skills Training

Through workshops, training sessions, and practical learning, trainees are taught the core skills needed to launch a career in business and technology.

Experts & Mentors

Training is led by industry experts while mentors provide participants one-on-one support throughout the program.

Practical Learning

The program is delivered through hands-on projects and assignments that give participants real-world experiences.

Job Matching

Participants get the opportunity to apply their skills in the real world through internships and job opportunities.

Become a Pre-MESTer

Software Development

Develop new skills in:

Front End Frameworks (e.g. React.js)
Express Framework (for Node.js)
Database (e.g MongoDB)
Unit Testing
Soft Skills Training

Apply

Digital Marketing

Develop new skills in:

Design Thinking
Content Creation & Marketing
Web and Social Media Analytics
A/B Testing
Soft Skills Training
Marketing

Apply

Social Media Marketing

Develop new skills in:

Social Media Management
Social Media Content Production
Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin for Business
Facebook and Instagram Ads
Soft Skills Training

Apply for the next cohort

Hear What Our Graduates Have To Say

“I gained so much from the Pre-MEST Program. It was the stepping stone for me to find out what I really wanted for myself for the future. I learned so much from the classes and the soft skills sessions gave me the confidence to speak in public. The program really started something new for me. It ignited some passion and I’m so so grateful “

Fatima Alhassan Wayo

“I picked up a number of very useful skills and techniques during the program. The practical way in which the skills were presented helped me to grasp very basic concepts; it has made it easier for me to build upon them with time. The biggest takeaway for me was learning how to apply design thinking approaches to solving different kinds of problems.”

Jonathan Kwesi Ntsiful

“Over the past few years, my dream has been to become a leading woman in tech. I was not sure where to start from but I just knew I wanted to be in tech. Joining Pre-MEST has been a stepping stone to breaking into the tech world. Within 6 weeks I was able to learn full-stack web development and how to apply it to solve real-world problems.”

Marian-Rhoda Akondor

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can apply?

Young people between the ages of 18 and 35 years
Passionate about technology and entrepreneurship
Residing in Ghana or able to attend in-person sessions
Available to commit to the program full-time
Disciplined, motivated, and a self-starter

How to apply?

Step 1. Fill out the application form

There is an application form for each track under the Pre-MEST program. You can either apply for Software Development training or Digital Marketing training – not both. Fill out the application form and submit when complete.

Step 2. Complete the pre-learning courses:

Each track – Software Development and Digital Marketing, has its own set of courses you must complete as part of the application process. This allows us to see your level of understanding on these subject areas and also prepares you to take on the intense nature of the course.

Step 3. Phone interview

Applicants who complete the first two steps successfully, and meet all the requirements, will be invited for a phone interview with the Pre-MEST team for the final assessment.

Key Dates

Applications for the program are currently closed. Please check back or sign up to our mailing list below for future updates.

How much does this program cost?

The Pre-MEST training program is tuition-free and requires no financial payments to MEST or any of our partners. However, during application, a candidate is required to have access to a laptop/computer and internet access to complete the pre-course work and application process.

Even better, when you make it into the program, MEST will provide you with stipend to facilitate participation in the class sessions, and work on assignments and projects. This is a full-time program that requires you to be available to attend all classes and sessions.

Who qualifies for this program?

The program is targeted at young people, ages 18-35, who are passionate about business and technology and want to develop their skills in these areas. At this stage, only applicants residing in Ghana are eligible for the program. Applicants must also be available to attend the program full-time (Monday – Friday) for the duration of the course.

Do I need to have any previous digital marketing/software development experience to be considered for the program?

No, you don’t need prior experience in digital marketing/software development to qualify for the program. You should have a genuine interest in business and technology and be ready to commit to the program fully. All necessary skills you need prior to the start of the program will be communicated to you in due time.

Is this open to only Ghanaians?

This program is open to all young Africans living anywhere in Ghana as long as they are able to attend the in-person training sessions. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide accommodation for participants at this time.

If I don’t complete the prerequisite courses because of laptop/computer or internet challenges, will I lose the chance of being selected into the program?

All prescribed courses are mandatory for your candidacy for the program. If you are unable to complete them for genuine reasons, feel free to reach out to the recruitment team via email recruitment.premest@meltwater.org.

I have applied but haven’t heard back on my application…

The applications have deadlines. The Pre-MEST team will get in touch with you when the application window closes and the selection of final candidates is done. You will also be informed if you do not make the cut. Please hold on until the application period is over to hear back from us.

I do not have any digital marketing/software development skills at all, how can I complete the pre-application courses?

The pre-application courses are self-taught and very easy to complete. You can go through them yourself with adequate focus and determination. If you still have questions or challenges reach us at recruitment.premest@meltwater.org so we see how best we can help.

I live outside Accra, can I still be part of the program?

Yes, this program is open to all people living anywhere in Ghana. We recognize that we may have applicants who live outside Accra, as such we have partnered with several other tech hubs to bring our program closer to you; check out the application page for details of participating hubs for each cohort. We will make provision to have all eligible candidates take part in this impactful training.

For more questions and inquiries, please send an email to recruitment.premest@meltwater.org

Where does the training take place?

The training for the program takes place in-person at the following hubs:

Software Development

Yison Tech Hub – Wa
Code Coast – Cape Coast

Digital Marketing

NodeEight – Ho
Women’s Haven Africa (women-only) – Kumasi
Dansyn ISO – Bolgatanga
iCode Ghana – Takoradi

In partnership with

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