Coffee To Code: Widening The Talent Pool
Melissa Hale was working as a coffee barista at Starbucks, but after completing the Software Engineering bootcamp, she now has a thriving career as a Low-code app developer at Onepoint Consulting.
Melissa from Manchester had held a wide variety of jobs in the past including a barista, an equestrian director, a security officer, and a researcher at several top universities.
After completing an undergraduate degree in zoology and then a master’s in molecular biology of parasites and vector-borne diseases, her tech journey didn’t
follow the traditional route.
Unlocking hidden potential
Melissa’s role at a snake venom research lab was heavily focused on data analysis and modelling when she soon discovered a passion for tech. She was exploring jobs when she saw a Skills City advert on Instagram, and enrolled on the 12-week Software Engineering Skills Bootcamp.
Prioritising capability over qualifications
In addition to learning the technical skills she needed to kickstart her tech career, Skills City provided her with CV support, interview preparation, and the development of her soft skills. With Skills City’s help she secured an interview with Onepoint Consulting, where she now works as a Low-code Developer – her dream job! Her employer is dedicated to developing her career further with an 18-month funded Data Literacy Apprenticeship.
Showcasing talent potential
Melissa wholeheartedly recommends Skills City to anyone considering a tech career. She said: “It’s amazing for both beginners and experts, some of the people on my course needed the extra support as they were still struggling to find work. There’s a guaranteed job interview on offer and it’s 100% free with no hidden catches.“