Coding Bootcamp Launched in Saint John Region: Accelerating Youth into Meaningful, In-demand Employment

SAINT JOHN, NB – A specialized coding bootcamp is launching in the Saint John region for youth between the ages of 18-29 who are not currently employed, in a post-secondary educational program or in a training program (NEET).

With an investment of $291,000 from the provincial government, the pilot Web Development Bootcamp will leverage new, innovative, and accessible learning opportunities through an accelerated, hands-on learning program.

“Information technology is a rapidly growing sector in our province, and we are pleased to fund this initiative which will provide a great opportunity to young adults to learn coding and be job ready,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Trevor Holder.

“Experiential learning is crucial to better prepare our youth for the labour market and this bootcamp will certainly help some achieve their full potential.”

The Bootcamp will also provide a template for future initiatives that will target critical labour shortages and offer opportunities to quickly upskill or reskill individuals through this accelerated, hands-on program.

“Young people who may have experienced barriers to employment will graduate with job ready IT skills and real-life work experience,” explained Paulette Hicks, CEO for Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency. “Programs like this provide a gateway for long-term employment.” 

Led by TechImpact and Envision Saint John on the advice of the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative (BCAPI) Youth Employment Working Group, this part-time program includes eight months of coding training for up to 20 students including a 3-month internship and workplace professional skills training program. Graduates have the potential to earn an average salary of $40,000 post-program completion with significant opportunity to earn more.

“Experiential learning is crucial to participants success as this is an introductory level bootcamp and students need their first place to grow and develop,” explained Cathy Simpson, CEO of TechImpact.  “This commitment by an employer will increase the value of the program content and prepare the students for today’s workforce.” 

The number of NEET youth in the Saint John region is 1 in 7, compared to the national average of 1 in 11, based on report commissions by the BCAPI Youth Employment Working Group. The NEET Youth Web Development Bootcamp will provide a scheduled, highly structured learning environment with experienced instructors guiding the students from start to finish. NEET Youth that are accepted into the Bootcamp will have access to tuition support opportunities and wrap-around services.

This unique Bootcamp is creating winning conditions for all – providing benefits to students through real-life work experience, and employers access to new tech talent living in New Brunswick. Details on how to apply will be shared in the coming weeks.

MEDIA INQUIRIES:

Nicole Vair
Marketing & Communications Manager
Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency
Nicole.Vair@envisionsaintjohn.com
506-658-2877 ext. 105

Alex Weaver Crawford
Communications Manager
TechImpact
Alex.Weavercrawford@techimpact.it
506-654-1306