Code Nation has reached a major milestone this month as the pioneering digital education provider has now trained 300 coders and cyber security experts across its campuses – a rate of one new coder every other day.
The school operates out of Spring Gardens in Manchester – where it has capacity for 80 students – as well as a second school in Chester and imminent plans to expand into the South of the country; it leads the way in closing the digital skills gap and raising employment rates.
Andy Lord, the Manchester-based founder of Code Nation, was working in the recruitment industry when he noticed disconnection between the digital skills that employers were increasingly requiring, and the lack of skills potential candidates had.
Recognising the need to close this digital skills shortage and remove the gender gap in STEM, he set up Code Nation to help people from all walks of life not only learn this highly desired knowledge but importantly connect them with amazing companies to make the most of career opportunities.
Speaking of the milestone Andy said: “Reaching 300 coders is a huge milestone for Code Nation as a startup company that was only founded in 2017, not least because it proves the demand for people to learn these new skills, but it also shows what can be achieved when the right resources and training is available.”
As well as offering courses in coding, cyber security and iOS development, Code Nation works with a network of pledgers – businesses who help course graduates find jobs. These pledgers include BBC, Manchester Digital, AO.com and Code.
Andy continued: “It is a known fact that ‘UK PLC’ will soon see the consequences of the digital skills gap and that is why we are working hard with both individuals and businesses to make sure that as many people as possible, are trained and in place.
“Most organisations recognise that a smooth transition to digital is no longer optional, but an essential part of strategic growth. Our ambition has always been to provide the most up to date education for individuals who may not have otherwise thought of IT as a career, teaching areas such as cyber security, data analysis and AI, and then match people with businesses who have the very real demand for such skills.
“This milestone is big news – with over 90% of graduates placed in roles, they are now playing a huge role in the future proofing of both our local and UK-wide economy.”
