Who’s coding? An analysis of UK bootcamp experiences and outcomes

Bootcamps are intensive training programs that aim to turn adults with little to no experience into employable software developers and data scientists, typically in 3–4 months. The bootcamp model has been highly touted in the UK, with significant government investment. However, it is unclear whether UK coding and data science bootcamps make good on their key claims, particularly around employment and salaries. There is a dearth of evidence on UK bootcamp attendees and their motivations, experiences and outcomes. This study begins to address this research gap, identifying who goes to coding & data science bootcamps in the UK, their motivations, and the key factors that impact bootcamp students’ experiences and outcomes. Our research demonstrates that there are several demographic factors that impact bootcamp experience and success in the UK, including age, disability, immigration history, caring responsibilities, and financial circumstances. Overall, coding and data science bootcamps tend to most significantly benefit younger, non-disabled, native British people from financially stable backgrounds who do not have caring responsibilities. These findings contradict claims that bootcamps offer an accessible gateway for marginalised groups looking to obtain coveted, well-remunerated roles in the UK digital and data industries.