23/01/2025

A cohort of 24 coders is set to boost the South West tech industry, having graduated as junior developers following an intensive 16-week digital bootcamp.

Headforwards Digital Academy has delivered its first high-performance Full Stack Software Development Skills Bootcamp, with several graduates already stepping into their first developer role.

Delivered in partnership with the Code Institute, the learners started their journey with little to no coding knowledge. They were introduced to tools of the trade and common programming languages such as Bootstrap, Django and JavaScript, as well as principles of Agile development.

The graduates have pivoted into software development from a diverse background – from careers in nursing and hospitality to returning to work from a caring role.

Toby Parkins, Group CEO for Headforwards, said: “We developed the Digital Academy to support the South West tech industry to build its future workforce. For many years, there’s been a recruitment challenge for tech and software development businesses to find the right skills.

“We know the type of candidate that makes a great software developer, so we decided to create our own training camp to provide the core skills we need for them hit the ground running in a development role.

“They are now ready to make their mark on future employers – not just at Headforwards but at tech organisations across the South West and beyond.”

Director for the Digital Academy, Kelly Kingstone, said: “This is an incredible first cohort of Digital Academy graduates, representing some truly diverse career pathways. It’s a very focused 16 weeks of learning, and these new developers thrived on the challenge.

“Something we’re really proud of is the inclusive group we’ve recruited – across age ranges, genders, life and career backgrounds. This breadth of experience brings brilliant insight to software development, through critical thinking, problem solving and team working.

“The Digital Academy continues to build momentum as our second cohort is already underway, with plans to continue with future bootcamps recruiting for later this year.”

Headforwards Digital Academy is part of Digital Futures, which has received £2 million through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme which is managed by Cornwall Council and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Cllr Louis Gardner, portfolio holder for economy at Cornwall Council, said: “The Headforwards Digital Academy is a shining example of how we can address the skills gap in the tech sector while creating new opportunities for people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This innovative programme, Funded by the Good Growth Programme, not only equips individuals with high-demand digital skills but also strengthens our economy by supporting local businesses in need of talent. I congratulate the first cohort of graduates on their achievement and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have in their new careers.”

The Headforwards Digital Academy is now taking applications for its next Full Stack Software Development Skills Bootcamp cohort, starting Spring 2025. Applicants must be 18 or over, unemployed or employed by a business based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to apply.

Find out more: https://www.headforwards.com/digital-academy/