Northcoders, a leading coding bootcamp, has announced exciting expansion plans following a remarkable inaugural year. Positioned at Manchester’s renowned The Sharp Project, it has quickly become a pivotal player in digital education.
Since inception, Northcoders has doubled its class sizes and added new facilities to meet rising demand. With an 80% employment rate among its graduates, the school sets a benchmark for success in tech education.
Northcoders: A Year of Achievement
In just a single year, Northcoders has paved a solid path to success, underlined by surging demand that has necessitated its expansion. This coding bootcamp, located at Manchester’s vibrant The Sharp Project, has quickly established itself as a cornerstone in the coding education field. With doubled cohort sizes and an additional classroom, it accommodates 20 extra students per batch.
The coding school operates on an intensive 12-week cycle every quarter, offering potential developers from all walks of life a chance to undertake a transformative learning journey. Out of the graduates, an impressive 80% have secured positions across various sectors, including web development agencies and innovative tech start-ups.
Meeting the Growing Need for Developers
Northcoders was founded in response to Manchester’s burgeoning demand for skilled developers. Its mission: to democratise coding education and provide access to industrial-grade skills regardless of age or background. The UK faces a significant skills gap, with nearly half of the companies reporting difficulties in filling technical roles.
James Brookes, the co-founder of Northcoders, highlights the strategic choice of Manchester as the ideal location for their operations, aligning with the city’s growing pool of digital opportunities. The expansion here is not just a business move but a commitment to nurturing local talent.
Comprehensive Course Structure
The Northcoders programme is structured to immerse students in full-stack JavaScript. This intense course emphasizes hands-on experience, with the first half dedicated to teaching technical fundamentals and the latter to practical projects.
Working on real-life assignments with actual clients equips students with a portfolio that showcases their skills. This approach ensures graduates are ready to step into entry-level software engineering roles, thus facilitating smoother transitions into the workforce.
The focus on JavaScript, a versatile and widely-used programming language, forms a robust foundation for learners. This strategic choice positions graduates competitively in a digital job market that values adaptability and practical knowledge.
Championing Diversity in Tech
With a focus on inclusivity, Northcoders is committed to breaking gender barriers in the tech field. Co-founder Chris Hill states the importance of integrating more women into technology roles, emphasising the benefits of balanced teams that reflect diverse perspectives.
The introduction of nine #womenintech scholarships has already shown promising results, with eight recipients securing software development positions. This initiative not only reflects Northcoders’ commitment to diversity but also its role in reshaping the tech workforce.
Harriet Ryder, a female tutor at Northcoders, exemplifies the school’s commitment to representation and diversity in its teaching staff. Her involvement is a positive influence, inspiring more women to pursue coding careers.
Strategic Partnerships and Community Impact
Northcoders’ presence within The Sharp Project is more than symbolic; it’s a strategic partnership that enhances the learning ecosystem. The collaboration aligns with The Sharp Project’s goals of promoting accessibility and developing Manchester’s digital talent pool.
Adrian Bleasdale, CEO of The Sharp Project, praises Northcoders as a valuable addition to their community. The school’s efforts to engage learners from varied backgrounds and ages resonate with the wider objectives of inclusivity and talent cultivation.
This symbiotic relationship not only enriches Northcoders’ offerings but also enhances Manchester’s reputation as an emerging tech hub. The shared vision and goals fortify both entities’ contributions to regional development.
Future Prospects and Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, Northcoders’ expansion is set to continue as it forges a path toward broader horizons. The strategic addition of office space, creatively using a converted shipping container, exemplifies innovative thinking.
By increasing capacity and enhancing facilities, Northcoders is poised to admit a greater number of students. This move ensures that more individuals can benefit from its dynamic courses and join the thriving tech sector in the UK.
The future looks bright for Northcoders, with plans that reflect its commitment to educational excellence and its role in addressing the national skills shortage. Their growth signifies not only a milestone for the organisation but a promising trajectory for aspiring developers.
Summary of Northcoders’ Milestone Year
In summary, Northcoders has not only expanded but has also solidified its reputation as a premier coding education provider in Manchester. Its initiatives and partnerships highlight a strong commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and educational quality.
Northcoders’ first year has undeniably been a triumph, marked by strategic expansions that cater to an increasing student body. Their initiatives resonate with a broader commitment to bridging the skills gap in the tech sector.
As Northcoders steps into its next phase, the focus remains on fostering a diverse and skilled workforce. This aligns with the school’s foundational goals of making quality coding education accessible to all.