Millennium Community Solutions has launched women-only coding classes to help bridge the digital divide, creating a more inclusive tech community. The programme welcomes beginners as well as those looking to advance their careers.
Breaking the stereotype
Course tutor Nikki Gordon says: “At university, I was the only woman studying to become a games programmer. It’s as if only men are allowed to call themselves ‘programmers’. Women do the learning and men do the marking – Millennium wanted to break that stereotype.
“The main difference between teaching children and women is that the women want to know ‘why’, to understand why what they’re learning is important. I set them weekly challenges like creating an app to calculate the exchange rate from pounds to euros for your summer holidays.”
Extra learning for women
The clearest sign of success is that next term, double the number of training spaces will be available, with a new course starting for women aged 18-25. The new 12-week course starts in September and will be AQA accredited, ensuring participants receive a recognised qualification.
Ready to learn, ready to teach
Nikki says: “Twenty-five women signed up for this first women-only coding course. Only one has left, and that was because of illness. And she has signed up to start again next term. When they started, a lot of the class didn’t believe in themselves. Now, at the end of just one term, there are women here who are ready to teach others.
Benefits of learning
“For some, learning to code is a fantastic future career opportunity to. Some want more IT knowledge to develop in the work they’re already doing. One had an idea for a health app and wanted to learn how to create it herself. For one grandmother it’s also been a breakthrough in building a relationship with her computer-crazy grandson.
“None of this could happen without backing from Lambeth Council, and their willingness to support women in Lambeth to embrace technology.
“There’s nothing to stop this learning expanding and overcoming digital exclusion. How about starting mother and child coding courses for mums who can’t find childcare?”
Sign up for Millennium’s Coding Courses
Start or enhance your Python skills for free with Women’s Coding Club 12-week courses for ages 18-25 and for all ages.
Book now at Millennium Community Solutions www.southwyck.co.uk
