Update: CareCloud, a cloud-based Healthcare IT Solutions firm based in Miami, partners up with Wyncode to give students more than half their tuition as a hiring bonus.
South Florida’s first brick and mortar coding school, Wyncode, announces a nine-week development boot camp to teach students computer programming skills and how to create their own web apps located at The LAB Miami in Wynwood.
Wyncode trains local developers on HTML, CSS, Ruby on Rails, and JavaScript so at the end of the course they will have the skills to join a tech company as a junior web developer or create their own web application.
Founders Juha Mikkola and Johanna Mikkola recognized Miami’s booming entrepreneurial community, and they saw the lack of developers in the community and the hardships of talent retention: an issue that has been challenging for startups seeking talent in the area. The opportunity was there for the taking.
To further illustrate the demand for developers in the area, one can look at the statistics of supply and demand for developers. According to a report by Modis, between January 2012 to December 2013 there were 407 job postings for Ruby on Rails Developers, but only 43 candidates applied within Fort Lauderdale and its surrounding 50 mile radius. Companies like CareCloud Corporation and Tech Force Inc. were among some of the companies seeking local developers.
“A developer school is a key missing piece of the Miami technology ecosystem. After working to develop and promote tech in this area for years, I’m excited to be a part of one,” says Wyncode professor and MIT graduate, Ed Toro.
Wyncode is combining best practices from boot camp programs, while creating a “made in Miami,” curriculum starting at US $9,000. Thus, they are closely working with local companies, leaders, and future students to create a program unique and adaptable that trains future developers for local entrepreneurial needs. Wyncode is working with companies like Rokk3r Labs and CareCloud to create said curriculums.
“We offer our students a curriculum tailored to the needs of our local community. You will learn the skills, but also have the network to find a job or start your business,” says Mikkola.
Currently, the Wyncode curriculum includes:
- Instructor-led sessions,
- Collaborative work time,
- Business development and mentoring sessions from influential industry professionals
- School visits, where Wyncoders will teach local children how to code
“Having an educational component is at the core of what The LAB Miami truly is and we are really excited to see how Wyncode will affect the community in the long term, both culturally and economically,” said Wifredo Fernandez, cofounder and CEO of The LAB Miami.
Wyncode’s upcoming Learn to Code info sessions at The LAB are free of charge and open to everyone in the community. Find the schedule here.