When WeThinkCode launched in May 2016, it was the first tuition-free tech institute of its kind in the country. Ever since then, the academy has upgraded and expanded its Johannesburg campus and added another campus in Cape Town, but WeThinkCode is still at the forefront of democratising tech education in South Africa.
WeThinkCode was started to address the software skills and development shortage in the country by offering anyone between the ages of 17 and 35 the opportunity to learn how to code, and to walk out of a free two-year course with a guaranteed job.
How does it work?
WeThinkCode’s two-year course in programming and coding consists of a peer-to-peer learning system that starts off with an invitation to apply online. Applicants are required to complete a series of online aptitude tests, and are invited to a four-week boot camp to test applicants’ motivation and ability to work if they pass.
Upon completion of the boot camp, WeThinkCode selects a number of students to participate in the full two-year course. This full-time course is free of charge, and students are required to learn learn a number of different programming languages and complete regular projects.
After completing WeThinkCode’s two-year programme, students are guaranteed jobs at the various corporate sponsors that support the initiative, which also support students with regular stipends for the duration of the programme.
How to apply
Although cohort applications for 2018 have already closed, WeThinkCode will be accepting cohort applications for next year from 1 June 2019. WeThinkCode’s approach to skills development is revolutionary in the South African education landscape, as the academy does not have any prior educational requirements and the programme is completely free. The full course does not have any teachers or classes, and is conducted in a peer-to-peer problem-solving environment.
If you are interested in this groundbreaking educational initiative, like WeThinkCode on Facebook, and keep an eye on their website for the latest news.