Natalie’s world imploded while she was travelling through the UK. A tourist in one moment, a refugee the next, she was caught off guard by the full-scale invasion of her homeland, leading to a devastating war.
“After two months of staying in temporary Airbnbs while glued to the news and supporting loved ones back home – I realised it was time to find a local job.”, Natalie says.
Like many newcomers, she discovered her previous qualifications didn’t carry the same weight in a new job market.
“I decided to retrain and develop new skills to stand out,” she says.
“I wanted to gain practical, technical skills that would be valuable anywhere in the world… and especially relevant in the UK.”
Natalie decided to retrain to gain the skills she needed to succeed in the UK.
Discovering CodeYourFuture (or CYF).
“CodeYourFuture offered part-time classes, which meant I could still work while I studied. Plus, they teach the kind of skills that are really in demand these days.”
Natalie’s goal was clear: learn to code and open doors to financial stability and personal fulfilment. But the journey wasn’t without its challenges.
“The programme boasted a diverse cohort of 50 students, with experience ranging from seasoned tech professionals to those, like me, with no prior coding experience,” she shares. “Initially, it felt overwhelming.”
Getting the support she needs.
However, CYF’s supportive environment helped Natalie overcome her doubts. She says “Our mentors were fantastic – they instilled the value of individual progress, reminding us that everyone learns at their own pace.”
“This shift in perspective, focusing on ‘yesterday’s me’ rather than comparing to others, helped me navigate the initial pressure and channel my energy into personal growth,” Natalie explains.
CYF’s support extended beyond technical skills. “At CodeYourFuture, the support network was incredible” says Natalie “I had two dedicated mentors as well: one for technical development and another for personal development. This was immensely helpful, especially for those tricky questions that popped up outside of class hours”
The community was key.
Natalie also highlights the community aspect: “Everyone, from the volunteers to the other trainees, wanted me to succeed. This incredible network of support was what really got me through the intensive course.”
She says, “This incredible network of support was what really got me through the intensive course. I not only learned to code but also gained valuable soft skills like giving presentations and working effectively in a development team.”
She realised how far she had come during her final CYF project.
“After finishing all the modules, my team of three other trainees and I had just six weeks to build an entire app from scratch”, Natalie shares. “Compared to what I’ve heard from friends who learned coding at bootcamps, CYF doesn’t provide pre-made designs or spoon fed solutions.”
Natalie’s team created an app that impressed CYF’s leadership so much, they were invited to continue developing it for future cohorts.
“That moment solidified my achievement in learning to code,” Natalie beams. “Now I can transform code into real solutions that are helpful for others.”
Like with many other trainees, the support from the CYF community helps people get through challenging times – and celebrates their successes, too.
Natalie’s journey into tech was just starting.
Six months after graduation, she landed a tech job. The tech market changed in late 2023, and it has been a challenge for many people to find their first job across the industry.
“I initially expected a quick transition,” says Natalie, “but for many of us graduates of the 2023 cohort, it took longer.”
Today, Natalie approaches challenges in her job with a newfound confidence. “CYF fostered a powerful ‘can-do’ attitude in me,” she says. “I’ve learned that with consistent effort and dedication, I can acquire ANY skill I set my mind to.”
To those considering joining CYF, Natalie offers these words of encouragement: “Code is a universal language. It does not care about your background – your passion and dedication are what matter most. I am sure that with CYF’s supportive environment and your own determination, you can achieve amazing things!”
Natalie’s story is a testament to the transformative power of a community-based learning programme designed to help people get a job.
It’s not just about learning to code; it’s about building confidence, fostering community, and opening doors to new opportunities.
Whether you’re a potential applicant, volunteer or partner, CYF offers a chance to be part of this inspiring journey.