Computer coding boot camp Zip Code Wilmington announced Monday that all 16 members of its first graduating class have secured offers of full-time employment or a paid apprenticeship. The course was completed on Friday.
Students, who before entering the program were averaging a salary of under $25,000, will be paid an average of nearly $55,000 per year in their new jobs.
“We are proud to announce that every graduate of Zip Code Wilmington will have the opportunity to work as a software developer,” stated Jim Stewart, co-founder, and president of Zip Code Wilmington. “Many will start Monday morning.”
The 12-week training program enabled students to develop the skills necessary to be considered proficient at an entry-level in Java and Javascript coding languages, two of the most common forms of programming used today.
Students attended class at least five days a week and averaged about 852 hours of training each during the length of the course. While students pay an upfront cost of $2,000, While students pay an upfront cost of $2,000, the balance of the tuition is paid back by companies that accept those students for a six-month apprenticeship.
The course also received funding to supplement startup costs from several corporate partners, local foundations, and from the State of Delaware.
The nonprofit organization Tech Impact managed the school and provided $2,000 scholarship opportunities to 7 students who proved they earned less than $28,000 per year before entering the program.
“I am very excited by the initial success of a program that shows Delaware workers are ready and able to thrive in the new economy when given the opportunity,” said Gov. Jack Markell. “The program started with the goal of providing lower cost, short-term training opportunities to individuals who could demonstrate an aptitude for this type of skill, but who had not previously been given the chance to develop those skills. By tapping into that talent, we are meeting the increasing needs of our business community, and particularly of our growing financial sector, to fill coding jobs.”
Zip Code Wilmington is part of the Tech Hire initiative, an effort announced earlier this year by Markell, and recognized by the Obama administration to prepare workers jobs in IT.
The course graduates have a variety of educational backgrounds. Some entered with no formal schooling beyond high school, some with a college degree, and some with postgraduate degrees.
Employers who are taking on graduates include JP Morgan Chase, Capital One, Bank of America, Corporation Services Company, Chatham Financial, Diamond Technologies, and Schell Brothers, a home-builder.
“If you’re smart, have strong logic and problem-solving abilities, and want to move into one of the most promising careers available today, please apply to Zip Code Wilmington,” co-founder Ben DuPont said of those considering looking into the program. “Delaware companies are looking for you, and we can give you the skills you need to get these jobs.”
To learn more about the program, or to apply, visit http://www.zipcodewilmington.com/.
