By 2020 there will be 1.4 million more software development job postings than applicants who are qualified to fill these jobs, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts. Programming languages, such as SQL and Java, are among this year's most in-demand skills, and can lead to jobs with some of the highest base pay, such as a software engineer or data scientist.
You may be grimacing at the tech skills gaps on your resume or glancing at your English degree with a twinge of regret. But that doesn't mean it's too late to start.
In response to the tech boom and technical skills gap, code bootcamps, classes and meetups have popped up across the country to get people the tech skills they need to get connected in today's tech-fueled world.
Here's a look at eight different programming education opportunities in the Twin Cities, from immersive code bootcamps to post-work coding meetups to computer science classes for kids looking to get a head start.
While it's been a bit of a rough year for code bootcamps (locally, the Iron Yard bootcamp pulled out of the Twin Cities this February) there are still a few options for Twin Cities students who want the immersive coding education experience. Prime Digital Academy offers a 20-week, full-time software engineering program and an 18-week full-time user experience design program. The curriculum includes working on real world projects, partnership with local employers, and a human-centered focus, according to the bootcamp's website. Their graduate employment rate is 90 percent on average, according to the Star Tribune.
Location: 301 S 4th St Suite 577, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Cost: $13,750
Best for: The programming newbie ready to accelerate their tech skills.
University of Minnesota Coding Boot Camp
Another code bootcamp--this one in affiliation with the University of Minnesota--is set to open this fall. The University of Minnesota's College of Continuing Education teamed up with New York-based Trilogy Education Services to run a 24-week program that will train students to develop web applications, according to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal. The program will start in November and will hold classes in the evenings to accomodate the schedule of working professionals, the U said in a release.
Location: University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus
Cost: $9,995
Best for: Working professionals looking for a career change or additional programming skills.
This intensive, apprentice-focused code bootcamp offers instruction in either .NET/C# or Java through face-to-face lecture, hands-on experience and labs. They offer either a 12-week full-time bootcamp, or a 10 to 14-month part-time bootcamp, as well as online options. The in-person bootcamp costs $13,750. The Software Guild has also teamed up with Concordia University in St. Paul to accept transfer credits toward an online BS degree in computer science.
Location: 15 S. 15th Street Suite 600, Minneapolis, MN, 55402
Cost: $13,750 (in-person bootcamp)
Best for: Students who already have some background in programming and are looking to apply to junior developer roles or transition to a full bachelor degree program.
This full-time, eight-week, classroom-based program offers students skills in information technology, including operating system installation, data storage, internet security, troubleshooting and more. Curriculum is geared toward the CompTIA certifications, as well as the "soft skills" needed to succeed in a business setting. Applicants are required to have a high school degree and must be able to demonstrate financial need. IT Ready says it graduates 91 percent of participants and places 88 percent in new positions. Since launching in the Twin Cities in 2012, the IT Ready program is now offered across the country.
Location: 7505 Metro Boulevard, Edina, MN 55439
Cost: Free (must be able to demonstrate financial need)
Best for: Students who are interested in a career specifically in IT.
These immensely popular coding events (tickets have sold out in 45 seconds, organizers say) are geared toward kids ages 8 to 17. The free, two-hour sessions are free, taught by local volunteers and give kids a fun introduction to computer programming. Students have the opportunity to learn about Linux, robotics, Java, Minecraft and more.
Location: Bruininks Hall on the University of Minnesota Minneapolis campus
Cost: Free
Best for: Kids who are interested in computer science but haven't yet given it a try.
This series of educational events is geared at adult women who are interested in building tech skills or adding onto their existing knowledge. Girl Develop It events include workshops on specific skills, such as an introduction to HTML and CSS, as well as coding meetups where women can work on projects and ask questions from mentors.
Location: Varies
Cost: Varies (Example: This HTML & CSS intro workshop costs $39)
Best for: Women who are just starting off with code, or who are working on projects and looking for mentorship.
This annual code conference brings together Twin Cities developers to network, collaborate and learn new skills. Speakers at the conference cover a variety of skills and languages (last year's line up included talks on bots, unit testing, Alexa skills and the debate between spaces and tabs, plus many more). The next conference will be held April 21, 2018 at Normandale Community College.
Location: Normandale Community College
Cost: Not yet announced
Best for: Current developers looking to network and/or learn new programming skills.
It is never too early to start building tech skills. Computer Explorers of Minnesota offers over 300 summer day camps for kids ages 4 to 15 on technology and science topics. Their offerings include multi-day camps and single-day workshops on programming and design, digital filmmaking, robotics, Minecraft and engineering.
Location: Varies across Minnesota and Wisconsin
Cost: Varies
Best for: Kids and teens, both beginner and advanced, who are interested in building tech skills.
Do you know of other places where people can learn tech skills in the Twin Cities? Send an email to khustad@americaninno.com, and we'll add a bonus section with community suggestions.
