Lifelong Learning @ UNB
UNB College of Extended Learning

Gabe Morris, a native of Quispamsis, New Brunswick, found his passion in computer programming after working as an electrical technician. He knew he wanted to change his career and started taking online courses to learn programming. The one challenge he faced was showcasing his skills to potential employers, so, to step up his game, Gabe decided to enrol in the UNB Coding Boot Camp.

“I wanted to have something to put on my resume that had a bit more weight, something to show I have done the work and have the education,” says Gabe.

The UNB Coding Boot Camp was appealing because it was part-time, and he didn’t have to attend in-person. Gabe was able to keep working at his full-time job and take the boot camp. It also helped that there was funding available from the McKenna Institute at UNB.

During the boot camp, Gabe found that working with his fellow classmates on projects was his biggest takeaway. Learning the technology and programming languages wasn’t new to him, but working with people on collaborative projects to meet specific goals was new and a highlight of the program.

"Working with my classmates was invaluable to me, and it is the closest thing I have seen to real work experience as a developer," says Gabe.

The boot camp curriculum covered new and upcoming technologies and older ones that are still being used today by many companies.

The boot camp was not without its challenges, and Gabe recommends that anyone considering enrolling should take some time to do a few programming courses on their own beforehand.

"This would allow them [prospective students] to gauge their interest and see if programming is really what they want to do."

As Gabe nears the end of the boot camp, he is in the process of perfecting his portfolio, which would serve as his resume when applying for jobs. Gabe recognizes that having a strong portfolio would be essential to showcasing his programming skills and experience to potential employers. Once his portfolio is complete, he will be ready to start applying for positions.

In the meantime, Gabe plans to keep in touch with his fellow classmates, and he anticipates that the relationships he formed during the program will continue to be a valuable resource as he moves forward in his career.

Another valuable resource available to UNB Coding Boot Camp participants is SkillsBuild, a free skills self-learning platform offered through the McKenna Institute in partnership with IBM. SkillsBuild helps customize upskilling learning pathways before, during and after the boot camp.

Gabe's story serves as an inspiration for anyone who is looking to make a career change and pursue their passion. Gabe's dedication to learning programming and his decision to enrol in the UNB Coding Boot Camp allowed him to gain valuable real-world experience in programming and meet like-minded individuals. With a strong work ethic and a commitment to his craft, Gabe is well-equipped to transition into his programming career successfully.

UNB is proud to partner with regional industry leaders that include our own McKenna Institute — formed in 2021 to help digitally transform New Brunswick — and TechImpact, an organization that promotes the tech workforce and is committed to growing the talent pipeline throughout Atlantic Canada. Together, we're investing directly into New Brunswick’s tech labour market.

New Brunswick residents who meet certain eligibility criteria may qualify for the McKenna Institute Tuition Support Program, which provides up to 75% off tuition for the 2022–2023 academic years.