Coding bootcamp Northcoders is partnering with global technology consultancy ThoughtWorks to offer four fully funded scholarships to help underrepresented women and gender minorities, people who identify as non-binary, transgender or intersex find a career in the tech industry.
This is the second time they have worked together on a scholarship programme.
The successful applicants will have the option of studying for the full time 12-week coding course at one of Northcoders’ campuses – either in Manchester (Federation House) or in Leeds (Platform). The scholarships will be awarded in July and the course will begin in August or September. Each one will be fully-funded by ThoughtWorks, covering the £6,000 course costs plus an extra £2,000 bursary is available to help with living costs.
The courses aims to give graduates the opportunity to learn coding to an industry-standard level and to ensure they have skills, initiative and attitude well beyond what is usually expected for an entry-level software developer. After graduating, Northcoders will support each scholar in finding a job as a software developer.
To date, 35 cohorts – with a total of 350 students – have graduated from Northcoders. The team offers an industry-led curriculum which is constantly in review against its hiring partners’ needs.
ThoughtWorks is a global software company and community of passionate, purpose-led individuals. It thinks disruptively to deliver software, products and consultancy services to address its clients’ toughest challenges, all while seeking to revolutionise the IT industry and create positive social change.
Amul Batra, Director of Northcoders, said: “Diversity and inclusion are close to our hearts at Northcoders. It’s fantastic that ThoughtWorks shares our commitment to creating routes into tech for people from diverse walks of life and for those who are underrepresented in the industry. These four scholarships will be a springboard to a fulfilling career and will, I’m sure, help the recipients reach their full potential.”
Amy Lynch, Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Thoughtworks, added: “Technology plays a huge part in our world – it underpins how we learn, how we live and how we interact with one another. We believe it’s crucial that the people creating this technology reflect the whole of society.
“That’s why ThoughtWorks is offering four fully-funded scholarships to women and gender minority people who want to kick-start their careers in tech. The scholarships will offer financial and mentoring support, as well as the opportunity to progress into a role at ThoughtWorks.”
