First digital coders graduate

Tuesday 03 March 2015

Students of Digital Jersey’s first Coding Programme will graduate this evening.

The graduation follows six months of study for the eight students, who have completed a coding curriculum supported by technical experts from local industry. The objectives of the course were to give learners the technical skills the industry requires for coding/programmer vacancies, experience in project management and problem solving and the ability to make an immediate contribution to the workplace.

To achieve this, the students committed to 30+ hours of study a week and developed their knowledge of the industry by attending a number of events held by Digital Jersey, including the Creative Unconference, Learn, Create, Produce, and a Coding Tour, giving them opportunities to network with thought-leaders. Students also developed their interpersonal skills by participating in regular workshops at the Digital Hub, covering areas such as problem solving, psychometric testing and working with clients.

The course was designed to produce highly employable graduates, reflected by seven of the programme’s graduates having already gained employment and/or further training in the digital sector with companies such as Switch Digital, Freedom Media, The States of Jersey IT Department, Race Nation and Calligo.

To build on the success of this year’s programme and to further Digital Jersey’s objective of developing home-grown talent, the next Coding Programme will begin in May 2015, with recruitment taking place this month.

Tom Hacquoil, Programme Technical Expert, said: “The Digital Jersey Coding programme was an intensive self-directed learning course, equipping students with a comprehensive tool kit to enter the digital industry. I have greatly enjoyed working alongside the students and seeing their skills develop, and wish the graduates continued success. The programme is answering a deeply felt need on the Island for a homegrown technology skills base and I support its re-running next year.”

Damian Borowski, one of the Coding Programme students said: “The Coding Programme has been my life's golden ticket. Over just six months, I have met crowds of inspiring people and participated in a number of intriguing events, workshops, industry tours and seminars. I was introduced to a world where people are warm, open-minded and above all engaging, with real passion for their profession. Although the programme was very demanding, requiring commitment and determination throughout the learning process, it was worth every moment.”