It’s no secret that xneelo is passionate about helping small businesses grow. That’s why we’ve partnered with CodeSpace, a global education institution that specialises in teaching coding and technology skills. To learn more about CodeSpace, and how it came about, we asked CodeSpace founder, Emma Dicks, to share their story. And how they’re making strides in the tech industry.
CodeSpace was an idea floating around for two years before it came to life in January 2017. “We realised there was a shortage of pathways from school into the IT industry,” says Emma. “There needed to be more practical ways of learning.” Emma and her two colleagues decided they had the solution: CodeSpace.
Since then, over one thousand students have chosen CodeSpace as a fast and efficient way to gain employable skills and find jobs in the tech industry.
The importance of alternative options
“Each of our founding members came from different paths to work together to create alternative education options,” explains Emma. “Clint worked as a developer for a decade and wanted to pass on his skills to the next generation of developers. Stefan came from an engineering background, developing ecosystems that foster innovation in Africa. He knew that young innovators needed technical knowledge alongside design thinking to truly create new and innovative solutions. And I’d been running Code4CT, a programme that teaches coding to high school girls, setting them up for success in the tech space.”
Leaders in the tech industry
CodeSpace empowers its students with the skills they need to actively contribute to the global economy, helping them become leaders in the tech industry.
“CodeSpace graduates are known for being dynamic problem solvers who can keep up in fast-moving work environments. The most important skill in the modern workplace is the ability to learn, which is why our students are taught not only how to code, but also how to learn new languages and technologies. This keeps our graduates ahead of the curve,” says Emma.
Graduates that thrive
CodeSpace graduates are employed in some of the most exciting tech companies in the industry. “In just six short months, a student can go from having no working knowledge around coding to starting their first coding job with confidence!”
The future starts now
The benefits of starting to learn code early on cannot be overstated. “Kids aged between 15 and 18 can start working towards our Software Development qualification while they’re still at school,” explains Emma. “The work is no different, it’s just made available at a slower pace. By the time these students finish high school, they already have enough knowledge for an entry-level job as a developer and they’re well on their way with tertiary learning!”
Over and above being equipped with employable skills, CodeSpace students are trained to learn with confidence. With these skills, no matter where they end up, they’re equipped to be confident, innovative thinkers.
Teachers become the students
This is such an exciting time for the future of tech! “Ever since the introduction of Coding and Robotics into the National School Curriculum, we’ve been working with schools and teachers, helping them bring our introductory courses into their classes.”
“One of our most exciting endeavours is the coding courses we offer for teachers!” says Emma. “Coding is a new literacy and we’re helping teachers bring this into their classrooms. Young people will now learn to read, write, count and code!”.
