Teo started SHIFT based in Christchurch in February 2019, having previously worked as a CAD (Computer Assisted Design) Operator and in Commercial Sales Support for two years.
"When I decided to join SHIFT I didn't know exactly what to expect", says Teo. "I have always been attracted to programming but thought I'll never have enough time to try it".
The fact that SHIFT offered school-friendly hours and a mix of practical learning and industry project work, to develop current tech skills and gain valuable industry experience, played a large part in Teo's decision to enrol.
"In just a couple of months, I managed to learn basic programming, AGILE, project management, how to build a small web app and database." Teo says, "I built the right industry skills, but I also interacted with the Christchurch tech sector through the many networking events that SHIFT provided".
During SHIFT, Teo's project work included developing two full-stack web apps for a Game Development company and for the national youth mentoring organisation, Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Teo went on to complete her 200-hour industry placement with Orion Health, where she is now employed full-time as a Graduate Software Engineer.
“SHIFT got me from a zero programming background to full-time graduate Software Engineer in less than one year. It helped me achieve what I thought was just a dream!”
If you or someone you know is keen to make a change in career or wants to add tech to your current skills and make a dream job a reality this new year, get in touch with us at info@signal.ac.nz or call 0800 99 00 24. We would love to hear from you!
SHIFT is also now available as a part-time option (Dunedin only), and the next cohort commences in February 2020 in Christchurch and Dunedin.
