Looking to start a new career in tech? Coders are in high demand – it might just be the perfect time to learn to code in Leeds.
So, you’ve made the decision. You want to learn how to code. There is a quick and cheap way to get the skills, knowledge and experience you need to get a job in the sector – coding bootcamp. It’s intense, immersive and practical but, when you emerge, you’ll be ready to take on your new role. Whether you want a full-time course or something to fit around your commitments, this list of the best tech bootcamps in Leeds will help find the right one for you.
Northcoders
Northcoders are an award-winning and industry-leading coding bootcamp. You can learn to code in just 13 weeks, making it a coding bootcamp for those of us in Leeds who are short on time but are up for a challenge. You’ll predominately learn JavaScript, but the course gives you all the tools to make learning new coding languages a breeze. In fact, a dedicated mentor is there to help and support you during every part of the course.
They’ll even help you land your first software developer role with CV workshops, interview advice and guidance with your portfolio. Their track record speaks for itself – alumni have been hired by the likes of Barclays, Land Rover and Moonpig to name just a few. It’s more than just a coding course though, because when you join Northcoders, you join an inclusive digital community that is there to support you through the demands of the course and throughout your coding career.
Northcoders, West One, 114 Wellington Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4LT. It’s a full-time course running for 13 weeks and costs £8500. Finance is available.
Leeds Codes
Leeds Codes is a coding bootcamp for those wanting to change their careers, but still have other responsibilities. You might have a job you can’t give up or family commitments you need to work around. The flexible training is all evenings and weekends – you get 6 to 12 hours of teacher contact each week, plus around 20 hours of self-guided learning. Altogether, it’ll take you 24 weeks (plus some rest weeks) to complete the course and be in a position to start applying for junior software developer roles.
They’ll give you everything you need, from an in-depth understanding of JavaScript, practical knowledge on how to build backend services and frontend applications, and you’ll get to take part in group projects with your fellow students. Your tutors are helpful, knowledgeable and accessible – you’ll be one of eight, tops. More than 150 people have trained here over the past four years, with many going on to jobs with the BBC, AO and Footasylum.
Leeds Codes is based in Leeds, but operates online. It’s a part-time course running for 24 weeks and costs £5,995. Finance is available.
The Coders Guild
If you’ve been teaching yourself how to code, but are struggling with isolation and keeping yourself accountable, then The Coders Guild course is the one for you. Taught and under constant review by industry professionals, it’s designed for those with a basic understanding of HTML and CSS who want to fast-track their career. It’s a remote, part-time course that can be completed in as little as 12 weeks. Sessions are half-days, with regular lunch-and-learn spots as well as ad-hoc one-to-ones.
In this coding course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of programming and understand how to work with JavaScript, APIs and Markup. Gain expertise in communication and problem-solving too – key skills when you’re working in a team. If you’re looking for your first role as a software developer, they’ll help you produce a portfolio of work so you can showcase your coding skills and present yourself as a total asset to any web team.
The Coders Guild is based in Leeds, and operates online. It’s a part-time course running for 12 weeks and full funding is available.
Sky Get into Tech Scheme
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The Get into Tech scheme from Sky takes aim at the gender gap in tech. It provides women with the skills and knowledge needed to become software developers and kick some ass in the tech world. You don’t need any existing knowledge of development at all. It’s a 15-week course and the first week is a set of five immersion days to really get your head in the game. Then, for the remaining 14 weeks, you’ll have online evening sessions that fit around your other commitments.
You’ll get to grips with the basics of web development, languages like Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS and more. You’ll also get to know the trends in software development, how to use databases and what agile delivery is. Each module ends with optional mini projects for you to put your newfound skills to practical use. If you need more support, there are tutor sessions available too. At the end, you’ll feel empowered, inspired and able to apply for entry-level software developer roles.
Sky Get into Tech is based in Leeds, and currently operates online. It’s a part-time course running for 15 weeks and is free for participants.
Generation
Generation is a charity that helps people develop the skills they need to get into tech. They focus on underprivileged and underrepresented communities, creating opportunities through education. Their Data Engineering programme is a free, 12-week course that gives you an industry-recognised qualification. You don’t need any experience, just a passion for tech, a knack for numbers and basic Python skills – which you can get for free online before you start. Applicants must be 18+ and not currently in education or employment.
Their interactive sessions will teach you data quality management and programming languages like SQL, as you train towards gaining a Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals certification. At the end of your course, Generation will support you into working life with interview preparation and connections to relevant employers – you can even get mentoring for up to six months after you’ve completed the programme.
Generation is based in Leeds, and currently operates online. It’s a full-time course running for 12 weeks and is free for successful applicants.
