Assessing Industry's Perspective on Coding Boot Camps Through the Lens of Routine and Adaptive Expertise

• In Event: Selected Factors and Indicators Impacting 21st-Century Growth of Career and Technical Education

Abstract

This paper proposal presents early findings related to the capacity of coding boot camps to instill a range of skills among adult learners from a diversity of backgrounds. Based on a series of national focus groups with hiring directors of technology companies, results suggest that companies have generally a favorable perspective on coding boot camp hires. Industry participants stress the importance of so-called “soft” skills such as teamwork and persistence among new hires. Discussion focuses on the future potential of coding boot camps as an alternative training ground, particularly in terms of the availability of public federal funding to increase access among adult learners.

Authors

• Quinn Burke, College of Charleston

• Cinamon Sunrise Bailey, College of Charleston

• Louise Ann Lyon, ETR

• Emily Joyce Kaseno Green, ETR Associates