DesCodeuses opens an academy in Lyon to train women for careers in tech
Founded in 2018, DesCodeuses is a public-interest organization committed to increasing diversity in technical digital professions. With the opening of its new academy in the Lyon region, the association continues its national expansion and aims to support more women from underprivileged neighborhoods in accessing careers in the tech sector.
DesCodeuses: driving a more inclusive tech industry
Founded in 2018 and certified Qualiopi, DesCodeuses supports women from underprivileged neighborhoods in accessing technical digital careers, with the goal of fostering economic empowerment. The organization works both on the professional development of the women it supports and on transforming business practices within the tech sector to promote a more inclusive society.
Its support covers the entire path to employment. DesCodeuses offers free introductory workshops with no technical prerequisites, intensive certified training programs leading to a Level 6 professional qualification (equivalent to Bachelor’s degree level) registered with the French National Directory of Professional Certifications (RNCP), as well as employment support including job readiness coaching, connections with recruiters, and post-placement follow-up.
Since its creation, the association has supported more than 3,000 women and continues to expand nationwide, with locations in Paris/Saint-Ouen, Roubaix, Marseille, and now Lyon.
A sector facing diversity and transformation challenges
Operating at the intersection of vocational training, employment integration, and digital technologies, DesCodeuses addresses several major challenges. Women, particularly those from underprivileged neighborhoods, remain underrepresented in technical tech roles despite strong recruitment needs across the industry.
At the same time, rapid technological developments are reshaping the skills sought by employers. Artificial intelligence, automation, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure are transforming digital professions and creating new demands in the job market.
In response to these changes, DesCodeuses has adapted its training programs to strengthen participants’ employability and meet companies’ needs in the most in-demand fields.
A new academy to support female talent in the Lyon region
In 2026, DesCodeuses is opening its fifth academy in the Lyon region, following its campuses in Paris/Saint-Ouen, Roubaix, and Marseille. This new location is supported by a dedicated local team working alongside the association’s national staff.
The Lyon academy will notably offer a certified training program in Systems, Network, Cloud, and Cybersecurity Administration. Lasting 805 hours, the program includes 18 modules and a 120-hour capstone project. It is complemented by an internship and provides access to careers such as IT support technician, security technician, systems administrator, and cloud and cybersecurity administrator.
Alongside this program, DesCodeuses will run several free workshops introducing participants to digital careers, including the Orchestr’IA Bootcamp, designed to showcase opportunities in the tech sector through practical uses of artificial intelligence.
The association also works closely with businesses, employment organizations, and local authorities to facilitate participants’ professional integration and help address employers’ recruitment needs.
The Lyon region: a fertile ground for DesCodeuses’ Development
The choice of the Lyon metropolitan area is based on several strategic factors. The region benefits from a particularly dynamic digital ecosystem, supported by a dense network of SMEs, mid-sized companies, and large corporations whose demand for digital skills continues to grow.
The Lyon area also offers significant potential for social impact. Many women still face barriers to entering tech professions or work in occupations that are being heavily affected by digital transformation. DesCodeuses presence aims to help them access qualified, long-term employment opportunities.
Finally, the association was attracted by the strong commitment of local stakeholders. Local authorities, employment support organizations, training providers, businesses, and associations together create a favorable environment for deploying its initiatives and ensuring the project’s long-term success in the region.
ONLYLYON Invest supports the launch of the Lyon academy
To bring its Lyon academy project to life, DesCodeuses received support from ONLYLYON Invest. The teams facilitated connections with key institutional and economic stakeholders, assisted in the search for premises, and provided guidance throughout the different stages of the launch process.
The association also had the opportunity to participate in various local initiatives and networking events, enabling it to quickly gain visibility and establish its first partnerships. This support helped accelerate its integration into the Lyon ecosystem and ensured that its expansion was successfully implemented under the best possible conditions.