The tech industry is booming, but there is a shortage of skilled tech workers to fill the open positions. This is creating a tech talent gap that is impacting businesses of all sizes.
CodeBoxx, the St. Petersburg-based technology training company, graduated its first Tampa Bay cohort on May 13, 2022. The company, which relocated its headquarters here in 2021, has had a successful run at preparing Canadian students for careers in technology and is now offering its signature 16-week accelerated training program in the Florida market.
CodeBoxx helps address the pressing need for tech talent while enabling people to move from low-wage to higher-paying jobs in just a few months. Graduates are connected with local companies or are employed by CodeBoxx Solutions, their consulting division serving leading technology firms.
Stories from the graduating class reveal just how transformative the CodeBoxx training can be for lives and careers. Stephen “Brooks” Kloppenburg knew he was capable of more than the lawn care job he had been doing. Michael D’Amico had a background in finance and international business but had been driving for UberEats while looking for an opportunity that would tap his passion for technology. Hayleigh Hevener went from experiencing homelessness to possessing some of the most in-demand skills in the marketplace, thanks to the help of an aunt who supported her during the training period.
Now all three, along with their fellow graduates, are interviewing for jobs in Tampa Bay, taking advantage of CodeBoxx’s network of corporate partners.
Codeboxx's programs are designed to be hands-on and immersive, giving students the skills they need to succeed in the tech industry. The programs cover a wide range of topics, including web development, software engineering, data science, and more. Students work on real-world problems, individually and in teams. Soft skills are prioritized, including leadership, teamwork, and an understanding of the broader business enterprise -- not just the tech perspective.
“Our goal is to train well-rounded technologists who are ready for employment day one after finishing the program,” said Kim Vogel, CodeBoxx's Vice President of People and Community Development.
Codeboxx is helping to create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry and they are committed to enlarging the pool of people who see themselves in tech to include more women, people of color, and groups like veterans and formerly incarcerated people. CodeBoxx has formed partnerships with nonprofits that can help identify and support nontraditional candidates. The company is working with the St. Petersburg Foundation to act as their nonprofit charitable arm to apply for grants and raise funds for student support until they can form a CodeBoxx foundation.
“Not everyone can attend our full-time 16-week program, so we are exploring partnerships and funding that can bridge these gaps and offer opportunities to talented people who may need a little help,” Vogel added. “The CodeBoxx philosophy is that a career in technology should be based on potential not privilege.”
Classes are held at the St. Petersburg campus as well as fully online. Codeboxx also offers a laptop loan program and a variety of support services to help students throughout the program and into their first job.
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