The tech industry is booming, and learning to code is one way that you can kickstart a career in this industry. Learning programming helps develop problem solving skills, boosts your persistence and resilience, and makes you more employable. If you’re thinking about learning to code, here’s how you can get going.
Learn to code as an adult, for free
For children in school, coding now forms part of the curriculum; kids have started learning to code from age 7 since 2014. However, for those of us whose ICT lessons mainly consisted of learning to use Microsoft Excel or Powerpoint, starting off with coding might feel a little intimidating. Don’t panic; there’s a bunch of different ways that you can learn to code as an adult, regardless of how much time you have or your learning style.
Northcoders: Coding Bootcamp, Free
Northcoders is an organisation helping adults learn the skills that they need to pursue careers in the tech industry. Their Skills Bootcamp in Software Development helps adults who have never coded before learn how to become a Software Developer from scratch. Their course runs over 13 weeks, and is full time (Monday to Friday, 8:30 - 17:00). You can learn in Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham or Newcastle, and they also offer remote learning online.
By the end of their curriculum, you’ll have got to grips with JavaScript and learned how to use this language on both front and back end. You’ll have completed a project with your colleagues, and will be ready to find work as a Software Developer. If you live in England, are over the age of 19 and meet their eligibility criteria, you can access this highly in-depth training for free.
Code First Girls: Coding Kickstarter Course, Free
Code First Girls is an organisation which is working to close the gender pay gap in tech by teaching women and non-binary people how to code. With women only making up 26% of the tech industry, Code First Girls is on a mission to offer free training courses to women and non-binary people, giving them an education in tech and getting them into the workforce.
Their Coding Kickstarter courses are eight week beginner courses focusing on Web Development, JavaScript, Python & Apps, and Data & SQL. These are ideal for people who are new or returning to tech, students, parents and adults looking to expand their skill set and develop the skills they need to pursue a career in this industry. They offer a huge range of part time evening courses, with the vast majority available remotely for people across the UK; they even have some international offerings too.
Mimo: Beginner friendly coding app, Free or €79.99 for Pro
If you don’t have time to learn to code on a dedicated course, Mimo could be the right choice for you. This is a beginner friendly coding application, which offers lessons in Python, HTML, SQL, JavaScript and Swift. Unlike a full course, Mimo allows you to spend as much time learning as you like, offering short lessons and full projects. You can also get certificates of completion when you have finished one of Mimo’s lessons.
Mimo is perfect for adult learners who are thinking about dipping their toe into coding, and want to test the water before committing to a full time or part time course. You can get the application on iOS or android, and learn programming languages wherever you are, whenever you have the time.
Khan Academy, Free
Khan Academy is a non-profit organisation which offers courses on a wide range of subjects to both students, teachers and independent learners for free. Their courses include practical exercises and instructional videos, and generates revenue from donations, rather than advertisements or subscriptions.
Khan Academy offers a number of computing courses, including Introduction to Computer science: Python, Computer programming - JavaScript and the web, and Hour of Code, which are coding lessons focused on program drawing, webpages and databases that last an hour. Khan Academy is ideal for adults who want on-demand lessons for coding.
