Learn to code for free
July 2, 2019
By Katie Ritchie
Do you have an aspiring software developer or web designer in your family?
SC Codes is an online learning platform which launched in September of 2018. It was developed by the SC Department of Commerce and Build Carolina. The website offers courses in front end web development, back end web development, and basic coding. According to SC Codes representative Lelia King, they’ve had nearly 4,000 sign-ups across the state. She said, “…You’ll find career changers and those pursuing additional education. You’ll find young people looking for direction and avid tech lovers. You’ll find educators and retirees and lifelong learners. SC Codes has the capacity to connect with nearly everyone.”
The free site is part of an initiative to fill tech jobs in our state with South Carolina residents. According to Cyberstates, an organization which analyses technology workforce statistics, SC’s tech industry grew by 2,520 jobs in 2017. The report also said the tech industry contributed $10.8 billion to the SC economy, 5.6% of the overall state economy.
The SC Department of Commerce knows the skilled labor force will need to grow. SC will need to meet the demand of technology industries if we are to stay competitive.
So how does it work? Visit www.sccodes.org and sign up for an account. The first class available is a “Getting Started” course. The lessons introduce learners to the website. It teaches students how to use the platform and how to interact with other participants.
The free classes can be completed at your leisure. As of publication, there were courses on JavaScript, Ruby, Ruby on Rails, and more. Java Concepts and React.js Basics are two courses currently under development.
SC Codes also offers a job board. Companies are invited to recruit employees with coding skills of various types. Students of SC Codes can add information to their own profile. Their profiles can be made public so students can be found by potential employers.
The website even offers a listing of in-person events. The events are opportunities to meet other students of the program and learn more about coding. King said, “Nothing about the platform is here to be monetized.
It’s all free for South Carolina residents, and we’ve included those features to help people understand the types of opportunities in the field that are available, right now, right here in our state.”
