Learn to code for free in Germany with a Bildungsgutschein

Le Wagon in Germany has been certified as vocational training by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (or Job Center). Anyone who is registered in Germany and unemployed is eligible to receive a Bildungsgutschein and learn to code for free. In this interview, we'll take a closer look at two of our alumni who did the course using the Bildungsgutschein!

Since May 2019, Le Wagon in Germany has been certified as vocational training by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (or Job Center). This means that anyone who is registered in Germany and is unemployed (or soon to be) is eligible to receive a Bildungsgutschein (education voucher) and learn to code on our course, entirely financed by the German government. Ever since, we have trained 80 people in Berlin and are planning on accepting more candidates for our next bootcacmps in Berlin and Munich. Make sure to apply before places run out.

But how different is it doing the course with a Bildungsgutschein than someone who funded it themselves? In this interview, we'll take a closer look at two of our alumni who did the course using the Bildungsgutschein!

Ronan (Berlin, batch #288): From Urban Planner to UI Designer Ronan, now works as UI Designer

What did you do before learning to code? I worked several years as a project manager in the field of urban planning and regional development for different public authorities and NGO’s. At the same time, I was learning web design by myself, just as a hobby.
Why did you learn to code? I was convinced that new technologies were definitely impacting the way cities function and how people live and move in urban areas. I naturally started to be interested in coding, thinking it would be an added-value for my career and that it would help me think beyond my urban planner’s point of view.
What was your experience of doing Le Wagon with a Bildungsgutschein? Was it any different than the usual bootcamp? The Bildungsgutschein financed the bootcamp, and I would not thank them enough for that. It is an incredible support to get such financial help while developing new skills. I considered myself as a lucky person as I was one of the first persons in Berlin to receive financial support from the Bildungsgutschein to apply for le Wagon. Once you graduate, you can ask your contact point to support you in your research, but I would say that you know better than anyone else what you want to do and the type of companies you want to work for.
How did your job search after the bootcamp go? I started applying for jobs in October 2019 and 3 months later in January 2020 I signed my first contract as a UI designer for a fantastic company called Aklamio Gmbh. I never thought this would lead me to a different career, but I am thrilled about this transition as I design and code web pages every day. Before signing this contract, I applied for jobs, built a portfolio, started working on small projects and went to many coding events. There is a big community of developers in Berlin and there are plenty of Meetups where you can get to know new people and ask them questions about coding. I was lucky to meet interesting and caring developers who gave me a helping hand when I was looking for a job.
What is your advice to anyone wanting to do the bootcamp with the Bildungsgutschein? You should prepare yourself for the application. Not only you should know for yourself why you want to learn those skills, but most importantly you should be able to explain your project to the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (or Job Center). You have to be able to clarify why it is an opportunity for you and how it will boost your career. Show them you have already learned a few things about coding and that you did some serious research about the job market. A reason I wanted to do Le Wagon is because of the career week at the end of the Bootcamp. Let them know that the people at Le Wagon will do their best to help you get your first job as a developer. Last but not least, the application process can be long, but you will have an amazing team at le Wagon to help get you through it!

Isabelle (Berlin, batch #322): From Business Developer to Frontend Developer

Isabelle, now works as Frontend React Developer

What did you do before learning to code? Before learning to code at Le Wagon, I was a business developer in the Ad Tech industry.
Why did you learn to code? I wanted to change my career path. I wanted to be able to work analytical and creative at the same time, and as well have the possibility to work remotely. Besides, I got passionate about coding. It is very meditative!
What was your experience of doing Le Wagon with a Bildungsgutschein? Was it any different than the usual bootcamp? The Full-Time course is the same for everyone even if you do it with a Bildungsgutschein. You will study and work together on the same schedule and in the same group as students who do the course without the Bildungsgutschein. The only difference is that our attendance for the Preparation Week (first week before course start) and Career Week (one week after the course end) is mandatory.
How did your job search after the bootcamp go? I am very thankful for the Arbeitsamt to have supported me financially with changing my career path. It definitely helped! After the bootcamp, the Arbeitsamt supported me with sending job descriptions and this is how I found my new position.
What is your advice to anyone wanting to do the bootcamp with the Bildungsgutschein? In my case, the Arbeitsamt was at first reluctant because I had a long experience in sales and IT is a field where you need sometimes to be trained and “hireable”. After a career coaching which highlighted coding as the logical next step, they agreed on supporting me. Asking for a coaching in the first step might help you to get the Bildungsgutschein.