Makers Academy

I completed the Python course and then went on to do the Cloud Specialism at Makers. The experience was intense but really rewarding. The structure of the bootcamp helped me build solid foundations in programming and then dive deeper into cloud technologies,... Read More especially around AWS which has been really useful in my new role.

The coaches were supportive and knew their stuff. They created an environment where it was okay to make mistakes and learn from them, which I really appreciated. It wasn’t always easy and there were definitely moments where I doubted myself, but the community and the focus on pairing and collaboration made a big difference.

Since finishing the course, I had 5 interviews within the 1st couple of months and I’ve been offered a role working as a Cloud Engineer. I can honestly say I wouldn't be in this role if it wasn’t for Makers. It gave me the confidence and the skills I needed to get through the interviews and hit the ground running.

If you're considering a career change into tech and you're ready to put in the work, I’d definitely recommend Makers. It’s a proper challenge but it pays off.

I spent a long time weighing up whether to risk up-skilling via a bootcamp, and I'm so glad I did. Not only was the core curriculum well-structured, extensive, and challenging in all the right ways, but more importantly the style of coaching and focus... Read More on independent learning have helped instil a mindset that will support me throughout my career. Aside from the technical skills, there's a strong emphasis on learning real world expertise, including effective communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. These skills were reinforced by an attentive, down to earth, and diverse group of coaches, who were always accessible if you needed some extra support.

I studied the Quality Engineering specialism, which was a smaller cohort than some of the others so we had plenty of coaching and tailored support. As well as an introduction to programming fundamentals, we covered a wide range of testing methodologies, tools, and automation techniques. There was also a focus on embracing the curious mindset of a tester, and some of the history and context around Quality Assurance vs. Quality Engineering, and what all the different titles really represent.

Upon completing the course there's also a wide range of workshops, sessions and check-ins designed to help you with the job hunt. To be honest, it was quite a shock for me just how relentless the job market was, so having that network of other job seekers was really valuable. They also do a great job of sharing job recommendations, meet ups, events etc. that might help you on your journey, and are very open and attentive to feedback. There are also a few affiliated organisations they work with for apprenticeships etc.

If you're interested, I would certainly recommend attending a taster session to see if it's right for you. I was considering it for ages, and as soon as I went to the taster on Quality Engineering it just clicked. You get a good feel for the field, and have the opportunity to speak with a coach and answer any questions. Whilst I don't think bootcamp experience is for everyone, if you're really motivated and not put off by the pace and challenge, I'd absolutely recommend it. It's a valuable investment where you'll learn to embrace the unknown, and get access to a career where you'll never stop learning.

A really well put together and well thought out course, delivered by knowledgeable and helpful coaches. Excellent opportunities for group and pair projects with great support throughout. Both during and after completing the course, there is fantastic... Read More careers support helping you into a career in tech. You can study online only, or hybrid giving great flexibility to the course. Highly recommend.

Pros:
- High quality course content and materials
- Great support from technical coaches
- Great support from Careers team
- Great support from EQ team

Cons:
- Speed/intensity can be overwhelming for some
- Fully remote students miss out on working from office... Read More culture

Makers was a great experience that helped me quickly develop my skills as a software engineer. I got hands-on with various technologies, including JavaScript, Python, and cloud engineering principles. Through test-driven development (TDD), pair programming,... Read More and real-world projects, I improved my problem-solving and collaboration skills. The bootcamp gave me a strong foundation in software development and the confidence to keep learning and building!

I recently completed the Makers bootcamp and found it to be an invaluable experience for transitioning into tech. The program was challenging but well-structured, with coaches who excel at both teaching technical skills and developing the mindset needed... Read More for software development. As someone who started with no coding experience, I appreciate how the curriculum builds strong foundations while teaching crucial problem-solving skills. The collaborative atmosphere created a strong learning environment where we could support each other through challenges. While demanding, the program delivers on its promise to prepare career changers for the tech industry, as long as you're committed to putting in the necessary work.

The coaches are skilled, caring and supportive. They get to know you and really care about your success and wellbeing.

The course is very comprehensive and at times intense but not as intense as I was expecting. It was manageable and I learned so much... Read More in such a short space of time. I wouldn’t say I felt totally prepared for that first role as a software developer but that’s more because of many companies’ unrealistic expectations on Junior Developers (and maybe a little bit of a self-confidence issue, too - I was a teacher with zero coding experience before making the switch).

If you put in the work, you can make that career switch with Makers. They came highly recommended and I saw why.

Attending Makers was a transformative experience that not only equipped me with practical programming skills but also reshaped my mindset toward problem-solving and continuous learning. This immersive bootcamp excels in cultivating not only technical... Read More abilities but also the adaptability and resilience needed in the software industry. I did the Software bootcamp specialisation after the initial general 8 week foundation course, however, there are other specialisms as well - please do check the makers website for more information and they do run some taster sessions (taster tuesdays) to experience a summary of what they cover in these programs for free, so definitely worth checking that out too!

Pros:
Comprehensive Curriculum: The bootcamp covers a wide array of programming fundamentals and practices (OOP etc), from Python, JavaScript (including hands on experience with non-relational and relational databases) to test-driven development (TDD) and pair programming. Every concept builds on the last, ensuring a solid foundation.

Supportive Learning Environment: Makers creates a space where everyone, regardless of their starting point, feels supported. Mentors are not only highly knowledgeable but also approachable, and they genuinely care about your progress.

Emphasis on Real-World Skills: Beyond coding, Makers focuses on essential soft skills, including communication, collaboration, emotional intelligence and problem-solving. By the end, you’re not just a developer—you’re a well-rounded professional.

Strong Alumni Network: Makers has a robust network of graduates who are helpful, and upon graduation this network opens doors to opportunities and mentorship after the bootcamp.

Job Support: The careers team provides invaluable support, including mock interviews, CV workshops, and LinkedIn tips, which continue even after graduation. This support was crucial to me as I entered and manoeuvred the tech job market - ultimately helping me land my first role.

Cons - not much as negative as it is more considerations to be aware before you get involved:

Intensive Schedule: Makers is an intense 16week program, and balancing the workload can be challenging. Be prepared to put the work in and a high degree of commitment required. The pace can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to coding - I found the pomodoro technique very handy to cope with this.

Cost: Like many coding bootcamps, Makers is an investment - an investment in yourself. While I believe it’s worth it, the cost may be prohibitive for some. The return on investment, however, is strong if you’re committed to a tech career and there are financial options as well (i.e. stepex etc)

Self-Motivation is Key: While Makers provides resources, the bootcamp’s self-directed approach requires a lot of initiative. You’ll get out of it what you put in, so it’s essential to be proactive and ask questions.

In summary, Makers is an outstanding choice for anyone serious about starting a career in software development. It is challenging, but the reward is really worth it. The skills and support from this journey have been invaluable to me, setting me up for a strong start in my first tech job. I wholeheartedly recommend Makers to anyone and everyone looking to career transition to the tech world.

I attended this coding bootcamp, and coming from a traditional learning background, it was a bit of a shock to adjust to the Montessori-style approach. There were no grades, so I never knew exactly how well I was doing, which made it challenging at first.... Read More However, in hindsight, this method helped me develop strong skills in breaking down and analysing technical requirements, which was especially valuable since I already had some coding experience.

I would definitely recommend this bootcamp to anyone looking to sharpen their coding skills and get job-ready. However, for absolute beginners, unless you pick things up very quickly, you should be prepared to spend an additional 3 months to a year perfecting your skills after the bootcamp, especially in today's competitive job market.

Expert knowledge from coaches and amazing support from other staff. A very inclusive and fun environment to learn in and progress towards a new career. The curriculum is challenging but rewarding, with hands-on projects that push you to grow. Highly recommended... Read More for anyone serious about coding!