Hassan tried a university IT degree and hated the theory. He left after a year and a half, enrolled as a Nissan motor mechanic apprentice, and qualified in August 2021. But he never lost his curiosity about software. When he discovered Code College's Java bootcamp, he saw something different — an apprenticeship-style approach to learning code.
Key result: Hassan went from motor mechanic to junior full-stack developer — qualified for both MERN Stack and Spring/React roles after the bootcamp.
His Journey Before Code College
When I left school, I enrolled for a Degree in IT Systems Software Development. I found it not very exciting — it was theoretical and students were basically left on their own to read and learn. We were given a lot of textbooks and virtually no real-life practicals. I left after approximately a year and a half and enrolled for an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic at Nissan. I qualified in August 2021 after a 3-year course.
What Inspired Him to Try Coding Again?
Because of my practical nature, I was still intrigued by software development and knew I would have to learn it in a more practical way for it to work for me. I learned about someone who was employed after doing a Code College Java Bootcamp via a family member and decided to do more research.
Why Code College?
What I found attractive was the practical nature of the training — I knew that would appeal to me. I could clearly see that the teaching style was not what I received during my degree. It was more like an apprenticeship. It was evident in the success stories of previous students.
Did He Need Coding Experience to Apply?
No — I started at the basic Intro to Programming Course, starting at a level where no knowledge and experience about coding was assumed. The training immediately appealed to me — I instantly knew this is what I wanted to do. The Intro course was a good way to test the water before committing to the full Java Bootcamp.
What Was a Typical Day Like?
Every module had a week or two of full-time streaks in the classroom, also attended by remote students. During this streak, we not only covered course material but also got to know our peers and made friends. This made it easier to work together in the following stretch of practicals — working together and apart, connecting regularly via online stand-up meetings.
I was studying full-time and spent at least 8 hours a day on my studies, sometimes more.
What Was the Teaching Style Like?
The teaching style emphasises learning from mentors and peers, and individually. We also learned how to research on our own — on the internet when we got stuck. We collaborated 24/7 on chat groups, and our daily meetings and code reviews were conducted via the Code College Online Meeting Server.
How Did Code College Prepare Him for the Job Hunt?
They helped us with our CVs and taught us interview tips and what to expect from job interviews. They groomed us for the open job market and also sent our CVs out to their in-house client base at Compuways, their own recruitment agency. I found a job in the open market.
The Interview
I had a technical interview in which the employer tested my technical knowledge as well as general team skills. I was questioned in detail about my technical knowledge, apps developed, and my team skills — then the employer matched me with their projects.
"The training was more like an apprenticeship. That's exactly what I needed — I knew how to learn that way from my motor mechanic training."
Inspired by Hassan's story? Learn about Code College's bootcamp for beginners →