I find Codebar's mentoring model incredibly empowering. When learning programming at university, I found it hard to speak up in class or ask for help. Working through online coding courses later in life became frustrating when I couldn't fix a non-obvious mistake on my own, or boring if I couldn't see a real-world application. Codebar mentors share not just their coding skills 'toolbox' but also the knowledge of when and how it's best to use each 'tool', and are honest about their own experiences of the technology industry. Best of all, the Codebar code of conduct provides a safe learning environment, which I find makes it much easier to ask questions. I have learned so much already from the tutorials, and now have the skills and confidence to start work on my own projects.

I started attending Codebar to learn how to code an idea I had, but I ended up learning more than just the basics. I have built my initial prototype and progressed far more than I thought I could. The best part about the workshops are the coaches, they are very patient and help you understand difficult concepts. Attending weekly has given me the confidence to code any idea into a prototype – something I didn’t think I could do a year ago! I would highly recommend Codebar to anyone, especially if you come from a non-technical background like me!

I currently work as a Mobile Producer and whilst this involves a lot of project management I'd been looking for other ways to help my team. The opportunity came in the form of web development and as I already possessed a good understanding of HTML and CSS, the next step was for me to learn Javascript. Since joining Codebar my understanding and confidence in using Javascript has improved immensely, the coaches there are extremely helpful and are patient in ensuring that all the students work to the best of their ability and at their own pace. The environment is one which encourages everyone to learn and I would recommend anyone who has the urge to learn how to code to join!

Thanks to the patience and clarity given from tutors, I understand coding and programming much better and this has improved my employment prospects. Tackling coding and programming by myself would have been impossible and my motivational levels were quite low. I have enjoyed the community feel in Codebar and the support from coaches and fellow students has made my goal of becoming a developer more attainable.