In an inspiring initiative to foster inclusivity in technology, CTU Training Solutions students participated in Microsoft’s “Everyone Can Code” online event held on the 14th and 15th of May 2024. This event, spearheaded by Martha Splitthoff, aimed to provide underrepresented groups, including women and genderqueer individuals, with insights into the world of programming and technology.
Empowering Experiences: Student Perspectives
The event was a resounding success, with CTU students gaining hands-on experience in coding and technology tools. A total of 86 students from the Faculty of IT – School of Programming participated: 41 from the Programming Foundation course (17 from Potchefstroom Campus, 9 from Polokwane Campus, and 21 from Gqeberha Campus) and 45 from Software Development (20 from Roodepoort and Menlyn Campus, 8 from Stellenbosch Campus, and 16 from Boksburg and Polokwane Campus).
We spoke to three of our enthusiastic Software Development students to hear about their experiences.
Boitumelo Maluleke shared, “I just wanted to hear real tech professionals’ feedback on the world in tech. I enjoyed the advisory portion.” Boitumelo was particularly thrilled with the coding assignments using GitHub and Visual Studio. “I enjoyed following the instructions and learning how to code using different environments,” she added. She found the session to be very informative and well-presented.
Course: Software Development
Campus: Boksburg
Attendance: On-campus with her fellow students
Pieter Van Staden expressed his excitement for coding and learning new things. “I enjoyed the interaction and the help offered throughout, especially with the breakout rooms,” Pieter said. He highlighted the professionalism of the session and shared that his entire class enjoyed it immensely. Pieter and his classmates are eager for more similar opportunities.
- Course: Software Development
- Campus: Pretoria
- Attendance: Online (remotely)
Tumiso Tefu was encouraged by his facilitator to attend the event, seeking to broaden his knowledge in the tech space. “I had an opportunity to share my screen during the activity and received hands-on guidance,” Tumiso noted. He found the session so beneficial that he would attend again as a refresher.
- Course: Software Development
- Campus: Polokwane
- Attendance: Online (remotely)
A Word from Head of Programme, Thabang Mashile:
“One of the most valuable aspects of this boot camp was the collaborative environment it fostered. Our students had the opportunity to work in teams, share ideas, and support each other. This sense of community and teamwork is essential in the tech industry, and I believe it has reminded our students of what to expect in future endeavours.
As we move forward, staying connected and informed about the latest trends and events in technology is important. Our students are aware that Microsoft offers a plethora of resources to keep us updated. Students are encouraged to regularly visit the Microsoft Developer Center and Microsoft Learn to upskill continuously.” – Thabang Mashile, HOP – IT School of Programming.
A Bright Future in Tech
As a Microsoft Training Partner, CTU Training Solutions ensures that our students have access to events like “Everyone Can Code” for their benefit. The event provided our Software Development students with valuable insights and practical experience in using Microsoft Azure, AI, Machine Learning, JavaScript, Azure App Services, and GitHub. The initiative has sparked a deeper interest in technology among our students and showcased the importance of inclusive education in tech.
CTU Training Solutions remains committed to supporting such initiatives, ensuring our students have the tools and opportunities to excel in the ever-evolving tech landscape. We are proud of our students’ achievements and look forward to participating in more events that empower and inspire