Study groups and skill swaps: how they work and how to start one

Learning alone can be slow and lonely. Learning together gives you a schedule, someone who asks “how far have you got?”, and a fast way to find out what you do not yet understand. This guide explains how REKATI-style study groups and skill swaps work, and how to start one.

Two forms

• Study group. A set of Kawan study a topic together over a set period, for example design systems, SQL, data analysis basics, or interview preparation.
• Skill swap. Two or more people trade: you teach something you are good at, and learn something you are not yet good at. A QA person teaches how to write test cases, a developer teaches the basics of automation scripting.

Both are open to every role in the tech industry, not only engineers.

How a group runs well

1. Pick one topic and one end result. For example: “over a few sessions we each build one dashboard” or “everyone can explain one design case study”. A clear end result keeps the group moving.
2. Set a fixed schedule. The same day and time each round is easier to sustain than a schedule renegotiated every week. Decide the format: in person, online, or mixed.
3. Share roles and rotate them. Each session has one person who guides and one who takes notes. Rotate the turns so nobody carries everything.
4. Give each session a shape. For example: a short check-in, the main session (discuss the material or work on it together), then close with one thing to do before the next session.
5. Keep shared notes in one place all members can access, so those who miss a session can catch up.
6. Finish with a result. At the end of the period, show the outcome (a demo, a short presentation, or tidied notes), then decide whether the group continues with a new topic or ends.

Ground rules that keep it safe

• No stupid questions. Everyone here is learning something.
• Do not bring confidential data or code from your workplace or a former one. Use public or self-made examples.
• Do not record without the permission of everyone present.
• Use a pseudonym if you like. You do not have to reveal your name or workplace.
• Respect different levels. Beginners ask, experienced people explain without talking down.

How to start at REKATI

1. Come to a REKATI event or another community’s and mention the topic you want to learn. Find out who else is interested.
2. Propose a topic and a first date to the interested people. Start with one trial session before committing to a long series.
3. After you attend an event, the Kawan WhatsApp group link is shared in person, and there you can invite others to join your group. Start from the Join page.

REKATI does not promise a group already exists for every topic; groups come from Kawan who are willing to invite others.

Learning resources beyond REKATI

• Kemnaker’s Skillhub offers training services, including short-format training alongside the National Vocational Training programme. Check each programme’s requirements, because some are aimed at specific graduates.
• Kemnaker’s Karirhub for job listings and career information.
• After a layoff, JKP also provides job training for its participants (PP 37/2021 Art. 18). See laid off.

Study groups for job hunting

Study groups also suit more focused preparation, for example taking turns at practice interviews or reviewing each other’s CVs and portfolios. See interview preparation and finding a job after a layoff.