Signing-up for our intensive coding course is a big decision.
We know you probably have some questions about our 16-week Professional Software Development course, and that you can’t always make it along to our regular info sessions.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve pulled together the top 10 questions we receive into one handy list.
From earning potential to the chances of finding a job, discover what people just like you want to know before they study at our Edinburgh and Glasgow campuses.
If we’ve missed any, feel free to get in touch with our team – we also filmed a Facebook Live to answer your questions.
1. Who is the course for?
Our 16-week software development course is for anyone who wants to equip themselves with the digital skills for a career in Scotland’s growing tech industry.
That could be anyone from recent graduates, career switchers looking to use their experience in the digital sector, or coding hobbyists looking to turn their interest into a profession.
CodeClan is not restricted by age or background but acceptance will be based upon the student passing our application process.
2. Do I need to be able to code before I start?
You don’t have to have any experience of coding before starting the course, though we encourage applicants to try some free resources or one of our shorter courses first.
There are also three weeks of pre-course work that will supply you with the basics before you join the rest of your cohort at our Edinburgh or Glasgow campuses.
3. What kind of skills are you looking for potential applicants to have?
Someone who likes solving problems. It’s all about seeing patterns, logic and creativity.
We find that those with transferable skills do well on and after the course. So whether you’re a midwife, engineer, magician, pub landlord, journalist or poker player, you’ll fit in here and be extremely attractive to employers.
Finally, you have to be passionate about tech and motivated to learn. The course is enjoyable but challenging, so having the drive to continually improve is a must.
Find out why your current skills make you perfect for coding.
4. Do I need to have done maths beyond national 5/standard grade at school?
Not necessarily. The key skills we look for is a desire to solve problems and build things and an aptitude to work hard.
5. Can I really learn to code in just 16 weeks?
Yes! The course is designed to give students the skills and knowledge they need to start a career in tech, usually as an entry level software developer.
Our model is based on an immersive tuition process using high instructor to student ratios, effectively condensing key elements of computing and software development. The coursework directly addresses the current needs of industry and is aimed at giving students experience in leading edge working practices so they are work-ready upon graduation.
Students are expected to work around 60 hours per week and submit a minimum of three projects over the core 16-week period.
As one ex-student explains, 800 hours of coding isn’t easy, but it will make you more employable.
6. I’m 30/40/50-years-old – am I too old to start a new career?
Absolutely not. Our youngest student was 19 and the oldest 58, with the average age of our students being 30.
Figures show that up to 80% of Britain’s workforce are in the wrong line of work, having been pushed into a particular career field from school.
So if you’re feeling unsatisfied with your job and daily routine, our intensive course could be the perfect way to get your career back on track, fast.
Find out more about changing career later in life.
7. How will you support participants to secure employment?
Although specific jobs with particular organisations are not guaranteed, we have developed partnerships with over 160 employers in Scotland, from start-ups to global names such as Skyscanner and Adobe.
It might help to know that 90% of our students are in work within five months of graduating, of those 50% are in jobs in the first six weeks*.
Throughout the course we help students figure out what the best first step into employment is for them. Our employer team will have regular catch-ups with each student to talk about what technologies they’re enjoying the most, and what features they’re looking for in their new career which helps to point students in the right direction for them.
They help students develop their CV, prepare for interviews, and practice the technical tests that are common across the sector.
The help we offer to students extends beyond graduation.
8. What sorts of roles have your students gone into after the course and how much will I earn?
The roles that our students go into are as varied as the students themselves. Most commonly, our graduates are in junior level development roles across a range of sectors, from finance to agriculture. Many have found ways to combine the skills they’ve developed in their previous career with the new knowledge they’ve gained at CodeClan to enter jobs that they’re uniquely suited to.
From project managers, UX analysts, software consultants and testers, careers in digital are vast and varied. Read some graduate stories to find out more.
The average starting salary for a CodeClan graduate is currently £24K, depending on experience and the roles available.
9. What certification do graduates receive?/ What level of training do you offer?
We’re approved by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), to offer their Professional Development Awards at Level 8 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
10. Who’s behind CodeClan?
CodeClan has been developed by the digital industry for the digital industry through it’s member body, ScotlandIS, in partnership with Skills Development Scotland and the Scottish Government.
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Find out more about our 16-week course.
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