Wiley Edge Aspire: Helping more women into tech

Imagine learning the technical skills you need to become a software developer. In a class with other women who support each other to succeed. All while being paid to train. Sounds too good to be true? Thanks to our ‘Aspire’ program, it’s very much a reality. 

It's no secret, the tech industry needs more diversity. The standard entry requirements for tech graduate roles can act as a barrier, preventing people with potential from getting the start they deserve. As a training and careers provider, we asked ourselves, what can we do to help more women start careers in tech?

‘Aspire’ is a training course for women, taught by women. The program has been designed to encourage more women to participate in technology roles and to help solve the issue of low representation in the industry.

So far we’ve placed over 30 women through 2 Aspire classes. And this is just the beginning. 

What is the Aspire program?

We run training courses across the US and UK for those who self-identify as women to give them a foot in the door to the tech industry. Once you’ve completed the 12-week, paid training course, we aim to place you with one of our clients on our Alumni graduate program. 

Throughout your journey with Wiley Edge, you’ll have access to support. Whether that’s webinars on key technical areas, help with your resume or drop in sessions with our Academy Experience managers. We’ll make sure that you’ll never feel alone!

What are the requirements to join?

We understand that the gender imbalance in tech comes far before people even reach the workplace. Women are much less likely to study a STEM subject during their higher education, despite having an interest. 

This is why we’ve broadened the requirements in order for women to join the program. We focus on those with a real passion and potential, by looking at your aptitude and skills rather than your degree subject. 

We also test your ability to problem-solve and communicate as well as your potential to succeed. 

“As a career changer, Wiley Edge has been essential in helping me land a tech role. I’m grateful for the opportunity and the next chapter in my career.” - Andrea Watson, Java Developer

What will you learn on the Aspire program?

Starting with the basics, the course will equip you with the skills needed to become a professional Java Software Developer. By the end of the training, you’ll be able to:

• Explain basic concepts in computer programming, including computational thinking and creating algorithms.
• Create applications using the coding language ‘Java’ with appropriate types and variables.
• Demonstrate appropriate use of code layout, object names, and comments to increase code readability.
• Identify basic principles of object-oriented programming.
• Organize code by responsibility into types and layers using the MVC pattern.
• Explain the Agile development approach to building software.

Throughout the course, we’ll also help you learn how to write a killer resume and ace those all-important interviews, giving you everything you need to jump headfirst into a tech role. 

What happens after the training program?

During and after the training, you’ll have access to job opportunities via our graduate program.

We work with the biggest names in banking, technology, and insurance. We help them find driven graduates who are custom-trained in the skills they need. If you’re successfully placed, you’ll begin a 12-24 month placement with the client as a Wiley Edge employee. At the end of the placement, the majority convert to full-time employees with the organization.

If you’d prefer to complete the training and start your career elsewhere, that’s not a problem. We don’t make you sign any unfair contracts and you’ll never have to pay a thing.

Aspire Program Results

After 12 weeks of training at the Wiley Edge Academy, we placed over 30 women from a variety of backgrounds at global organizations as Software Developers. 

“The training was the best part - the guidance from the instructor was irreplaceable. I had previously started learning on my own, but it would’ve taken me an additional year to learn what I did with Wiley Edge. I would not have applied for the role without the skills Wiley Edge equipped me with.” - Christina Joseph, Java Developer

If you’re a graduate interested in the Aspire program, please get in touch.