Why coding?
Coding is an important skill that can be acquired at any age. It is the ‘language’ or set of instructions for computers to follow – examples are Scratch, Python, Javascript, C++ and HTML. In fact any digital device uses coding to make them work. Coding lets coders or programmers to build programs such as apps and websites. It offers employment skills and career opportunities, and at the same time it helps people become more confident and independent by helping to understand technology, enhance problem-solving skills, stimulate creativity and community building.
Coding is the future!
Coding is at the heart of our digital world. It’s how we communicate with computers and build software, apps, websites, and video games. It’s the new form of literacy and coding is an increasingly desirable and employable trait.
The ability to write code not only gives young people a chance of improving job prospects but opens doors for people of all ages and abilities to problem solve, be creative and collaborate with their peers.
Classes with Millennium Community Solutions
Staff at our free coding centres are available during programme hours to help you get started on projects. Whether you are interested in sharpening a skill, or just itching to try something new, you’ll find the tools and the encouragement to keep you motivated. Whether it’s Lego, Microbits, Python or Web development, there’s something for everyone, regardless of ability or age.
In our TRA locations in the London Borough of Lambeth, our Coding Clubhouse mission is to provide creative and safe out-of-school learning environments where young people work with adults to explore their own ideas, develop new skills, and build confidence in themselves using technology.
Why coding?
We’re surrounded by digital technology in our everyday life and all of it needs some element of coding to work, from computers to lightbulbs.
You are never too old to learn coding and you don’t need any special educational background. And when learning coding, you can also use different skill levels for different levels of work. In fact a lot of coding work can be done from home — especially after the pandemic — and there are always part-time and freelance opportunities.
Some of the jobs that you can do with different levels of coding experience coding are:
• maintaining IT and systems
• developing apps and software
• maintaining software operations
• checking other people’s coding
• designing websites
• designing games
• teaching coding
• advanced computer technology
Job descriptions often use the terms coder, programmer and developer.
Some jobs don’t involve coding but knowledge of coding helps you to do the job or understand what others are doing. Soft skills that can benefit a career in coding include:
• problem-solving
• analytical ability
• patience
• teamwork
• communication
So jobs such as data analysts, data scientists, software engineers and database & systems administrators can benefit from coding expertise – and this also includes general office administration positions.
Coding’s flexibility and variety of applications that depend on the individual's skills and interests mean that it is a highly promising area for people want to retrain or upskill.
Fun and educational
Coding is also fun and has limitless educational and therapeutic possibilities where all ages can enjoy using it. Coding stimulates learning and can offer empowerment in a socio-economic way as it opens up possibilities for people which may have never entered their minds.
Kids’ coding offers learning while you play — building a solar powered radio or mechanical arm and programming them to work is an amazing process to witness.
Coding can offer people who are at home a level playing field in terms of employment, and for those with disabilities the numbers of jobs in increasing, as is the digital assistive technology that helps them to use their computers to code.
