How important are coding skills? Do you need to know how to code if you want to build a solid career in tech? A good way to answer this is by looking at industry trends and job outlooks.
LinkedIn data revealed that four out of the 10 most in-demand jobs on the site are in tech. That means recruiters on LinkedIn are constantly looking for software engineers, JavaScript developers, project managers, and DevOps engineers.
The same report also stated that between April to May this year, LinkedIn witnessed a significant month-over-month increase in demand for roles like solutions engineer, automation test analyst, and technical project manager.
Canada’s Information and Communications Technology Council, meanwhile, found that: “Canada’s demand for digitally skilled talent is expected to reach 305,000 by 2023, for a total employment of over two million in the digital economy.”
These suggest that coding is a must-have skill if you wish to claim a spot in a growing career field like tech. So, the next question is: where should you learn to code?
With coding skills becoming a prerequisite for many in-demand careers, numerous platforms that offer coding education have emerged. The caveat: while most can teach you how to code, few can prepare you for an actual coding job. In these cases, coding bootcamps like Lighthouse Labs may just be what you need.
Lighthouse Labs is one of Canada’s leading coding bootcamps, offering a host of reskilling and upskilling programs that can help you learn new tech skills in a matter of months. It also offers flexible and free courses for those looking to try their hand at coding.
Learn new data science or web development skills in just 12 weeks with Lighthouse Labs’ full-time bootcamps.
Sign up for Lighthouse Labs today.Why Learn to Code with Lighthouse Labs?
Lighthouse Labs was founded in 2013 by a group of software developers who are passionate about training the next generation of tech talents. Eight years later, the school has successfully introduced coding to over 20,000 Canadians and helped over 2,000 graduates launch careers in tech.
“Building an IT career is not always easy, but with the right mindset and an institution like Lighthouse Labs, you’ve got what it takes to succeed. I’m glad to have had the Lighthouse Labs experience,” Kelechi, an alum who is now a software developer, said.
But how exactly does Lighthouse Labs differ from other coding bootcamps? The secret lies in a formula that combines a hands-on curriculum with well-rounded support.
Lighthouse Labs Courses
Courses at Lighthouse Labs are taught in varying paces (full-time vs. part-time) and levels of difficulty (introductory vs. career-launch programs) to fit your needs.
1. Learn Web Development at Lighthouse Labs
- Web Development Full-Time Bootcamp (12 weeks full-time with career support)
- Web Development Flex Program (30 weeks part-time with career support)
- Introduction to Web Development (six weeks part-time)
- Introduction to Front End with JavaScript (six weeks part-time)
2. Learn Data Science at Lighthouse Labs
- Data Science Bootcamp (12 weeks with career support)
- Introduction to Data Analytics (six weeks)
- Data Analytics for HR – 101 (four days)
- Data Analytics for Sales Leadership (four days)
- Cybersecurity Training for HR (1 day)
Lighthouse Labs helps students to work skillfully and fluidly with multiple programming concepts and languages such as JavaScript, Node.js, HTML, CSS, and more. The school’s Intro courses are also a great way to build a strong technical foundation. All paid courses and programs are available online.
Support is available at every turn at Lighthouse Labs. Flex and Bootcamp students have access to mentors for eight hours a day and full-time access to career services. Additionally, those looking to test the waters can take advantage of free courses like HTML & CSS Essentials, JavaScript Essentials I & II, Programming Essentials with Python, and iOS Essentials.
“We understand the life-changing commitment our students make. We support them as if their life depends on the code they write. Our efforts are focused on helping our students succeed—we’ll provide the help, encouragement, and mentorship that each person needs,” the school said.
A Day in the Life of a Lighthouse Labs Web Development Student
One of the top-performing programs at Lighthouse Labs is the Web Development Bootcamp, which saw a 97 percent employment rate among job-seeking graduates. Out of them, 87 percent found a job within 180 days of graduation.
What makes this full-time program so successful is its very structure, training students to “build from the ground up.” This means the school walks students through the fundamentals before moving on to more complex exercises like creating responsive web apps and eventually getting them ready for their first junior developer role.
The program is designed to be intensive, demanding 40 hours of study every week. From 9am to 10 am, students settle in and work on coding exercises before lectures begin at 10am. For the next two hours, students engage with interactive lectures led by expert instructors.
From there, students spend the next five hours working on their projects and assignments. If students need help during this period, they can reach out to mentors. Students go on breaks between 5pm to 6pm before heading into another three-hour evening work session.
Inspiring Stories from the Lighthouse Labs Community
Lighthouse Labs has helped hundreds of students like Carly Fennel undergo massive career changes.
Carly’s academic background was in biomechanics. When she and her husband moved to Vancouver, she came across a footwear startup that she absolutely dreamt of working at. With Lighthouse Labs’ help, Carly turned that dream into a reality.
The experience was “extremely intense,” according to Carly. But by the end of her program, coding was no longer an issue. Carly particularly praised the way Lighthouse Labs managed to effectively deliver the lessons online and the stellar support she received from the job assistance workshops.
Lighthouse Labs can also help those looking to take careers to the next level within their current stream. Take Demerson Neves, a scrum master at fitness apparel giant Lululemon, for example. Demerson was already working in a hybrid role that combines project management and scrum framework before Lighthouse Labs.
Although he had qualifications in several tech disciplines like computer networks, Demerson felt a strong need to upskill so his skills could match the demand of the modern workforce.
“Understanding what’s going on behind the scenes, being able to read a code and know what’s what, even if not perfectly, has a great impact on my work as a scrum master. I took the web development part-time course. That provided me with enough tools to walk my own path and know what I need to do next if I want to learn more,” he said.
The Lighthouse Labs student network is also a great place to learn about the school’s inner workings and its faculty network. Instructor Roland Tecson, for example, has worked multiple jobs in tech and outside of the field. He’s a musician with years of experience working with many programming languages.
People like Carly, Demerson, and Roland can be a source of inspiration for career changers looking to explore tech roles. Roland, for one, said he loves the “lightbulb moments” his students have. One of the biggest pieces of advice he has for people looking to learn to code is to have “patience and perseverance”.
Who Is the Ideal Student at Lighthouse Labs?
Lighthouse Labs is always looking for new students, but the most ideal students have a few common characteristics. They should be passionate and willing to put in the work. They should also view learning as a lifetime exercise, constantly ready to tackle and adapt to new technologies.
So much of the Lighthouse Labs curriculum is focused on the contextual application of skills, so students should also be aware of why they’re learning what they’re learning.
Because of the rigor and challenge presented at every turn of this journey, students need to have the strength and willingness to achieve their goals and milestones. Students should also be logical which will help them in their coding. According to Lighthouse Labs, it doesn’t hurt for students to be “quick and a little quirky.”
Looking for More?
Lighthouse Labs offers a host of resources to help you gain the skills needed to break into tech. No matter what stage you are in your professional journey, Lighthouse Labs can help you meet your goals if you’re ready to commit. Sign up for Lighthouse Labs’ next cohort today.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
