From Code to Copilot: How Andela's AI Academy is Reshaping Software Development

A strategic partnership with GitHub is creating the next generation of AI-powered developers

Demand for AI expertise is skyrocketing, with nearly 1 in 4 job postings in the US requiring AI skills, according to the Wall Street Journal. And by 2027, 86% of companies expect to be operational with AI agents. Yet, organizations are struggling to bridge the gap between this demand and the availability of highly skilled developers, who are equipped to leverage AI effectively. This has created a race for tech talent who are capable of unlocking the 30-50% productivity boost that AI-assisted development can deliver.

As a result, Andela has founded the AI Academy, a learning scheme for technologists within the Andela Talent Network to upskill in the latest AI tools. The AI Academy recently launched with it’s first eight-week GitHub Copilot certification program. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with six enterprise clients stepping forward to enroll 80% of their Andela developers in the program's 200-person pilot, signaling a decisive commitment to building AI-driven capabilities.

Creating Future AI leaders for Fortune 500

Among Fortune 500 companies, a massive 85% are using AI solutions to expand their business - and as a result, are actively hunting for developers fluent in AI tools. At Andela, the momentum is already building. An internal survey revealed that 53% of Andela’s technologists are using GitHub Copilot, with 65% eager for hands-on AI training and certification.

“We had to dig deep into what clients really want,” comments Abraham Omomoh, Andela’s Talent Learning Analyst and the Program Manager for the AI Academy. “There’s so much buzz about AI, but it comes with just as much concern, particularly around privacy.”

Our partnership with GitHub emerged from extensive research into what our clients and developers actually needed, with GitHub Copilot consistently ranking as the top choice. We evaluated multiple AI coding platforms across technical performance, developer experience, and enterprise requirements. GitHub Copilot emerged as the clear winner, offering seamless integration, intelligent assistance, and enterprise-grade security that modern development teams require.

What Makes GitHub Copilot Stand Out for Developers

GitHub Copilot redefines the way developers code by offering smart, context-aware assistance that feels like working alongside a seasoned teammate. It seamlessly integrates with popular tools like VS Code, JetBrains, and CLI, letting developers tap into AI-powered support without missing a beat in their workflow. Plus, with its multi-language support and real-time error detection, it not only speeds up the coding process, but also helps developers create cleaner, high-quality code while cutting down on mental strain. This results in a noticeable boost in productivity, as developers can tackle complex problems faster and with greater focus, all while keeping their standards intact.

Why Organizations Worldwide Rely on GitHub Copilot

Security is a core principle of GitHub Copilot. Designed with enterprise-grade protections, the platform meets compliance benchmarks like SOC 2 and GDPR, while ensuring your proprietary code stays private and off-limits for AI model training. For organizations, full visibility is key, and GitHub Copilot delivers with detailed audit logs and analytics to keep operations transparent and efficient. What's more, its ability to align with company-specific coding standards means it continuously adapts, offering even more value as teams use it to power their projects. With GitHub Copilot, you’re not only coding, but also innovating confidently and securely.

The Andela AI Academy Program Structure

At Andela’s AI Academy, we’ve crafted an intuitive and dynamic four-phase approach to help developers seamlessly integrate AI into their workflows. Here’s how it works:

Phase 1: Foundations

We start by equipping participants with the essentials of AI-assisted coding. This includes mastering GitHub Copilot’s capabilities, understanding ethical AI usage, and learning how to effectively prompt and debug AI-generated code. By focusing on the fundamentals, we ensure every participant has a solid base to build from.

Phase 2: Hands-On Training

Practice makes perfect. Developers get hands-on experience with practical exercises across multiple programming languages, putting AI-driven optimization and refactoring techniques to work. This is where theory meets application, as real skills are developed, and confidence is built.

Phase 3: Certification Preparation

It’s not just about learning, it’s about demonstrating mastery. We provide comprehensive prep for GitHub Copilot certification with mock exams and practical coding challenges. Our aim is to ensure participants are exam-ready and fully confident by the time they take on the certification process.

Phase 4: Real-World Application

The final phase is where it all comes together. Developers integrate their newfound AI workflows into actual client projects, applying what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios. During this stage, participants also receive ongoing mentorship and support, bridging the gap between training and professional execution.

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200 Developers Ready to Transform AI Projects

The first pilot program is already launching with 200 developers from across the globe. And the program is on track to hit a 90% completion rate, with a target of certifying 140+ new GitHub Copilot experts.

As a result, efficiency is skyrocketing. Participants have reported up to 5X productivity boosts, with tasks that used to take 10 hours now being completed in under 30 minutes. And that's just the beginning, with the long-term goal to achieve a 10X performance leap. Developers are thrilled, describing the program as "helpful and impactful in information dissemination," and appreciating the supportive, community-driven vibe.

This program doesn’t just benefit developers, it’s a win-win for everyone, including forward-thinking organizations.

For Organizations:

• Faster development cycles: AI-assisted developers are writing code 40-60% faster, pushing projects forward at unprecedented speeds.
• Improved code quality: Real-time suggestions ensure best practices and guard against security vulnerabilities, leaving no room for error.
• Better ROI: Faster turnaround times and increased efficiency inevitably drive down costs, delivering higher returns on investment.

For Developers:

• Elevated earning potential: AI-certified developers command more competitive rates while getting more done in less time.
• Career differentiation: Official certifications in AI tools like GitHub Copilot set developers apart across the tech industry.
• Job security: Mastering industry-standard, AI-powered tools ensures technologists stay relevant as AI roles evolve.

Building AI-Ready Teams for the Future of Software Development

As AI tools transition from optional to essential in software development, Andela’s AI Academy hopes to bridge the critical gap between increasing demand and limited supply of AI-skilled developers, with plans to launch additional programs in the future, including tracks in generative AI engineering. Through our partnership with GitHub, we're training technologists on a proven platform that's already reshaping software development for millions of developers worldwide.

This initiative ensures both Andela and our clients remain competitive in an AI-driven future, while creating opportunities for developers to advance their careers through cutting-edge skill development. The future of software development is here, and we're helping shape it, one developer at a time.

Looking to build your AI-ready team? Contact Andela today.

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