Coding news and insight | April 2022

Businesses in every industry are spending more on IT than ever before, creating a surge in demand for tech talent and the emergence of a wide range of new coding jobs. The good news is that coding skills continue to command higher salaries and dramatically improve career prospects of anyone who learns the skills that are in short supply. 

 

Coding news and insight | April 2022

After Facebook rebranded to Meta last year, one of the biggest trends dominating 2022 is the Metaverse. At the moment, the concept of a “Ready Player One” immersive virtual world that is accessed via virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will probably feel like a million miles away. But with Facebook, Amazon, Apple, and Google all rumoured to be working on headsets and smart glasses, we can expect excitement in this space to quickly gather pace.

Metaverse mortgages have already been issued to buy virtual land. Futurists are already predicting that virtual architects will be needed to construct the digital living spaces of the future, along with experienced designers who will help businesses deliver the wow factor to their audiences. There will even be virtual clothing designers needed to set up stores and design digital clothing for users to customise their avatars.

However, the recent headlines do not mention how this is an inspiring watershed moment from a programming and coding perspective. Many call the evolution of the current internet ‘web 3.0’, but developers will be at the heart of building this future and bringing all these concepts to life.

 

 

Another big trend is the rise of low code and no-code platforms that enable businesses to develop apps, programs, and workflows with little coding or programming knowledge. The most common questions we often receive are about how this will impact career prospects in the industry. The good news is that these advances will not replace developers but empower trained programmers to unlock the rapid deployment of dev builds.

Although many take it for granted how the smartphone in their pocket enables them to work anywhere, the rise of progressing web apps (PWAs) that can be saved to a home screen is also becoming a hot programming trend. In a world of app fatigue, PWAs deliver app-like user experiences without the need to download anything. This is yet another programming trend that will keep developers very busy.

As more and more consumers replace typing searches with asking digital assistants such as Google, Siri, or Alexa for answers, we expect voice recognition and search to increase over the next few years. Once again, we believe it will kickstart more programming trends as businesses need to add voice technology to their apps and web pages.

In 2022, a shortage of coding skills means that developers are in short supply. So, it’s never been a better time for anyone to learn how to code and secure a dream career in tech. Currently, it’s all about helping businesses digitally transform, but this is just the beginning of the exciting road ahead and a new world you can help build.

If the idea of being at the heart of Web3, the Metaverse, progressing web apps (PWAs), and voice technology appeals, maybe a career in code and software development could transfer your future.

 

Coding and software development skill gaps and salaries in 2022 (and beyond)

Digital skills are crucial to economic recovery following the pandemic, but experts have warned that the UK is heading towards a ‘digital skills shortage disaster’. In addition, the British Governments list of critical skills shortages includes programmers, web designers, and software developers, highlighting the opportunities available for those who want to switch careers.

With an average salary for programmer jobs being around £57,500 a year, learning the skills to enter a coding and software development career is attractive for many reasons. Last year the demand for software developers doubled, and the software engineer became the world’s most in-demand profession.

As the lines between our real and virtual worlds continue to blur, we expect the demand for tech professionals to continue to outstrip the supply as businesses attempt to digitise at speed and scale. Could you be the future tech talent that will help businesses bring their digital experiences to life?

 

 

How to gain confidence and overcome imposter syndrome as a coding career changer

Do you want to follow your dreams and move into a new career in tech but are held back by self-doubt? Imposter syndrome comes in many forms and can often convince people they are either too old or simply not technical enough to have a job in tech. All of which is entirely untrue. Comparing what you know about tech to what you think other people might know is as damaging as comparing your life to someone else’s highlight reel on Facebook or Instagram.

One of the most exciting aspects of exploring a career in coding is that you soon realise that nobody can ever successfully claim to be an expert in software development. Instead, everyone is on the same path of continuous learning where languages, processes, and technologies will evolve. Ultimately, every day is a school day. But when moving away from a fixed intelligence belief and towards a growth mindset, you will find nothing but opportunities to learn and improve.

Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg famously shared in her book Lean In that “There are still days when I wake up feeling like a fraud, not sure I should be where I am.” But this feeling of inadequacy is a sign that you’re being challenged which means you are moving in the right direction. For these reasons alone, getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is possibly the best way of overcoming imposter syndrome.

 

 

Business benefits of embracing a neurodiverse workforce

Businesses are finally waking up to the fact that creating an inclusive and diverse workplace culture will play a critical role in their success. Employees must come from various backgrounds, characteristics, and life experiences to serve an audience that won’t consist of just middle-aged men in white shirts.

Between 30% and 40% of the British population are neurodiverse. The neurodiversity spectrum includes ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism. But each possesses a unique set of qualities that when brought together, prove that diversity and inclusion breed innovation in business, which is especially important in the tech industry.

Neurodiversity has always been around, but the tech industry is leading the way by taking advantage of their skills and reaping the rewards of this growing pool of untapped talent. It’s time to retire lazy stereotypes, misconceptions, and the dreaded imposter syndrome and continue to build a tech industry where everyone is welcome and feels included. Will you join us?