Coding skills have been in great demand over recent decades, and this trend will only grow as the world becomes increasingly digital. National Coding Week 2024, which runs from September 16-22, will help highlight the significance of coding, particularly its role in the future of work.
Now in its 11th year, this annual event encourages individuals from all walks of life to explore coding, with a special focus this year on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is reshaping industries across the globe.
Here we discuss some of the insights and topics to look forward to in National Coding Week 2024.
Coding in the Modern Workplace
Coding is no longer a niche skill used solely in tech-specific roles. It now plays a crucial role in various industries such as healthcare, finance, education and manufacturing. So, employers are increasingly seeking candidates with coding skills, which has become a core competency in today's job market. According to a Fast Company article, Why coding is still the most important job skill of the future:
Jobs with coding skills pay up to £17,000 more per year
This trend reflects how coding skills are increasingly valuable across industries, beyond traditional tech roles. Coding enables automation, streamlines processes, and fosters innovation, giving companies a competitive edge. And these skills are becoming as essential as traditional literacy.
Key insights from National Coding Week
This year's National Coding Week is centred around AI, reflecting its rapidly expanding role in various industries. AI is transforming everything from customer service to healthcare, and coding lies at the heart of this revolution. The week-long event offers workshops, tutorials, and challenges aimed at both beginners and experienced coders, with a specific focus on AI-related tools and languages.
One of the standout features of this year’s event is the emphasis on how AI can be harnessed by coders to solve real-world problems, automate tasks, and drive innovation. Industry experts will share insights on the intersection of AI and coding, helping participants understand the profound impact of these technologies on the future of work.
What Employers Must Know about Coding
As coding becomes integral to nearly every industry, the future of work will be defined by how well companies can integrate digital skills into their workforce. The World Economic Forum article: These are the top 10 job skills of tomorrow – and how long it takes to learn them, predicts that:
50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025, as the adoption of technology increases.
The report highlights how technology will displace some jobs, whilst creating new opportunities requiring a skilled workforce. So, employers should consider incorporating coding into their talent acquisition and training strategies.
Upskilling employees in coding not only boosts their productivity but also helps businesses remain competitive. From Python and JavaScript to AI programming, coding skills will be crucial for addressing future challenges and harnessing opportunities in automation and data science.
Resources and Tools for Getting Started
For those looking to start their coding journey, there are plenty of resources available on All About STEM, including Raspberry Pi: Learn & teach code through making!
During National Coding Week, many organisations also offer free coding workshops, both online and in-person, making it an excellent opportunity for beginners to jump-start their coding journey. These workshops will focus on a wide range of subjects, including coding languages like Python and JavaScript, which are in particular demand because of their versatility and widespread use in AI, web development, and data analysis.
The initiative encourages everyone from students and professionals to participate, share their progress, and learn alongside a global community of coders.
Predictions For 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead, the future of coding will be shaped by emerging technologies such as blockchain, quantum computing and AI. As AI continues to develop, coding will become even more important for developing intelligent systems that can process vast amounts of data, learn autonomously, and make complex decisions.
Quantum computing, in particular, is expected to revolutionise fields like cryptography and data science, demanding a new wave of programming languages and skills. Coders of the future will need to adapt to these shifts, staying abreast of new trends and technologies to compete in the future job market.
Put National Coding Week in your Diary!
Coding is a gateway to innovation and problem-solving in the digital age. National Coding Week 2024 serves as a reminder of the growing importance of coding in the workplace and the crucial role it will play in the future of work.
Whether you're a business looking to upskill your team or an individual eager to explore new opportunities, investing in coding skills is a step toward staying competitive and future-proofing your career. So, during this year’s National Coding Week, take the plunge into coding. Participate in events, explore free resources, and consider how this critical skill can transform your career or business.
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