The first six trainee software developers have graduated from the Mayden Academy, Bath-based software house Mayden’s intensive, employer-led training programme. All six are now working at the firm as junior developers.
The academy was set up to help grow and retain developer talent in the Bath and Bristol area, and ensure it stays at the forefront of digital innovation by training the next generation of software engineers.
The area is one of the largest and most-productive tech clusters outside London but there are widespread fears of a looming skills shortage.
The Mayden Academy offers aspiring software developers the chance to learn the fundamentals of software engineering and gain industry-recognised qualifications.
The training also addresses the gap between theory and practical experience that many new developers come up against by providing trainees with the opportunity to work on commercial projects alongside mentors from Mayden’s software development team.
The six trainees were part of the academy’s first intake last September. Their graduation celebration took place at Mayden’s head office earlier this month.
The first trainees to graduate are Charlie Coggans, Ross Eastman, Connor Jones, Marta Pleszynska, Lucia Velasco and Peter Wilkins.
Each has subsequently been offered a position as a junior developer at Mayden – and each has accepted.
Mayden managing director Chris May said: “We’re thrilled with the progress that the trainees have made as part of this new initiative and honoured to be able to offer them such a great start to their careers as developers.
“We have learned a great deal from our trainees this year about delivering this type of intensive training, and look forward to taking that knowledge forward with a second intake of trainees in September.”
Mayden Academy graduate Connor Jones said he had gained a huge amount through his training.
“I understand different software languages and know how to write good code,” he said. “Perhaps the most important things I’ve learned though are those that can’t be taught in a classroom such as how a team functions, robust testing practices and agile working, which are part of life on a development team.
“Graduating from the academy, I feel prepared to start in my first role as a developer and I know that I can be an asset to the company.”
Mayden specialises in innovative, flexible cloud-based software for the healthcare sector and is the company behind iaptus , the market-leading psychological therapy patient management system.
Pictured, from left: Mayden managing director Chris May, with Connor Jones, Lucia Velasco, Charlie Coggans, Ross Eastman, Peter Wilkins and Marta Pleszynska
