In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and evolving industry demands, the concept of a modern College of Engineering has undergone significant transformation. Today, a modern College of Engineering is more than just a place to earn a degree—it's an incubator for innovation, a hub for collaboration, and a launchpad for the next generation of engineering leaders. This is especially true for innovative software engineering schools that are at the forefront of this evolution. Here’s what sets them apart:

Live coding at Qwasar is an integral part of our innovative approach to coding education. In these real-time coding sessions, participants work collaboratively to solve programming challenges, simulating the collaborative environment found in the tech industry. By engaging in live coding, learners develop essential skills in a supportive and interactive setting, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and coding proficiency.

Let’s dive into how and why we use live coding at Qwasar!

In recent years, there's been a significant surge in professionals from various fields transitioning to the tech roles, specifically software-related roles. Whether driven by the allure of innovative work, the promise of high salaries, or the desire for more dynamic career opportunities, more people than ever are switching careers.

Transferable skills play a crucial role in creating a successful transition (and ongoing career success). Skills like effective time management, organization, and communication can bridge the gap between your previous experience and the skills a software role demands. Many career switchers focus on highlighting the technical skills they’ve learned as part of their transition, and as a result, many downplay or don’t highlight their transferable skills that make a good engineer great. Here we highlight some of the key transferable skills we think switchers should discuss.

We are so excited for the relaunch of CodeClan and to continue to train software talent! For more on media:

• https://www.insider.co.uk/news/codebase-relaunches-codeclan-33002543
• https://futurescot.com/new-model-for-shuttered-digital-skills-academy-codeclan-will-be-highly-scalable-says-scotlands-chief-entrepreneur/amp/
• https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,codeclan-relaunches-to-meet-high-demand-for-skilled-workers
• https://www.scotsman.com/business/new-improved-return-of-scots-digital-skills-academy-that-folded-in-2023-4661592

PRESS RELEASE

• Pilot with Edinburgh College, Borders College, and West Lothian College to commence this summer with programme content delivered by Silicon Valley education platform Qwasar
• CodeClan assets were acquired by CodeBase last year after the digital skills academy went into liquidation, enabling around 80 students to complete courses in software development and data analysis 

11 June 2024 - CodeBase is relaunching CodeClan with three Scottish colleges and a Silicon Valley teaching programme for coding -  the pilot with Edinburgh College, Borders College, and West Lothian College is set to commence this summer with programme content delivered by Silicon Valley education platform Qwasar. 

What is Technical Presentation of the Week?

Technical Presentation of the Week is a weekly session that explores industry-relevant technical subjects that are not typically addressed in projects. Subjects are also common in technical interviews and are practiced during technical interview preparation. Activities during these sessions range from individual presentations to group work completing a “new technology canvas” worksheet. Groups have about 20 minutes to complete the worksheet before presenting their subject to the rest of the class.

Qwasar announced a new Master's degree, new shorter learning courses, more flexible learning options, and longer pathways at Qwasar. The announcement comes as an adjustment to our traditional programs to better serve working learners and software professionals. 

We're excited for the launch of new, shorter courses in software engineering, data science, machine learning, and full stack development. Our new courses are specifically designed with the modern learner in mind, aligning perfectly with contemporary preferences for flexibility, personalization, and efficiency.

We’re excited to announce a new partnership with StartSchool in Latvia. StartSchool is a new initiative led by an incredible founding team and top-line supporters to train the leading SWEs and CTOs of tomorrow in Latvia, the Baltic region, and beyond.

"The best way to predict the future is to create it," a timeless quote by Peter Drucker. Modern business is shifting, propelled by the engine of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), particularly Generative AI. Companies hungry for the competitive edge offered by these technologies are facing a formidable roadblock: the acute scarcity of qualified AI/ML talent.

The demand for senior machine learning engineers, and other AI specialists is skyrocketing, but the pool of qualified candidates remains distressingly shallow. Traditionally relied-upon methods for attracting skilled individuals, including offering high salaries and recruiting from competitors, are proving to be unsustainable and may not yield desired results.

One of the reasons why companies are struggling to find qualified candidates is that there simply aren’t enough skilled professionals available. Senior ML engineers generally have 5+ years of experience. This means that 5 years ago, there should have been thousands of ML graduates going into thousands of entry-level ML jobs….those jobs didn’t exist and neither did the graduates. So, this is a problem with a physical limitation that can’t be remedied unless we invent a space and time machine! Therefore, companies have three choices: compete for talent and pay ridiculous salaries, wait to hire (which isn’t really a solution and can cost your company), or train talent that’s a “near neighbor” and ‘upskill’ them to be AI/ML engineers.

Whether a master's degree in computer science is worth it depends on various factors, including your career goals, current qualifications, and personal circumstances. You may be thinking about the value it holds in today’s careers or whether you truly need a masters degree in CS. If that’s the case, here are some considerations that should help you make your decision:

Different personality types are better suited for different careers, and that's okay! Choosing to become a DevOps Engineer is a big choice and you should consider the skills necessary to be successful and the job titles/requirements in the field to determine if it's right for you. It's like being a firefighter in the software world - it's not for everyone, but it's for some and they love it. Sometimes individual work, sometimes team work.

DevOps can be a rewarding career choice for individuals who have a passion for both software development and IT operations. If you find yourself interested in the following aspects, DevOps might be a suitable career path for you:

1. Bridging development and operations:
   If you enjoy working at the intersection of software development and IT operations, DevOps offers an opportunity to bridge these areas. You will have the chance to collaborate with both development and operations teams, understanding their needs and finding solutions that align with both sides.
   
   
2. Automation and efficiency:
   If you are passionate about automation and finding ways to streamline processes, DevOps is a great fit. DevOps emphasizes automating repetitive tasks, deploying applications efficiently, and optimizing workflows, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced manual effort.
   
   
3. Continuous learning and improvement:
   DevOps is a dynamic field that requires individuals to continuously learn and adapt to new technologies, tools, and practices. If you enjoy staying up-to-date with industry trends, experimenting with new tools, and continuously improving processes, DevOps provides ample opportunities for growth and learning.
   
   
4. Problem-solving and troubleshooting:
   DevOps Engineers often face complex challenges in managing infrastructure, deploying applications, and resolving issues. If you enjoy problem-solving and troubleshooting, DevOps will provide you with opportunities to apply your analytical skills and find solutions to technical problems.
   
   
5. Collaboration and communication:
   Collaboration and effective communication are crucial in the DevOps culture. If you enjoy working in cross-functional teams, collaborating with developers, operations personnel, and other stakeholders, and are skilled at fostering effective communication, DevOps can provide a suitable career environment.
   
   
6. Agility and adaptability:
   DevOps embraces agility and the ability to adapt to changing requirements and technologies. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy working on multiple projects simultaneously, and can quickly respond to evolving needs, DevOps offers an environment that values these qualities.

It's important to note that a career in DevOps requires continuous learning and the willingness to embrace new technologies and practices. It's beneficial to gain a solid understanding of software development principles, system administration, and networking concepts, as well as familiarize yourself with tools and technologies commonly used in the DevOps space.

By acquiring the necessary skills, certifications, and experience, you can establish a successful career as a DevOps Engineer or in related roles such as DevOps Consultant, Site Reliability Engineer (SRE), or Cloud Engineer. According to Glassdoor, “The national average salary for an Entry Level DevOps Engineer is $90,868 per year in the United States.”