A career changer’s journey into web development

Professional worker sits at their desk, looking at a work computer screen. 1163542812

Christopher Andrews, a graduate of the ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Front End Web Development) with ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Back End Web Development), has successfully transitioned into a career as a web developer, after working in warehousing for over a decade.

Currently employed by the Australian Council for Educational Research, Christopher's journey exemplifies the endless possibilities for growth and creativity within the web development field.

Christopher had always dreamed of a career that would allow him to express his creativity. In February 2022, he decided to follow his dream and enrol in the web development course at Holmesglen.

Without any prior IT experience, Christopher found the transition into web development challenging at first. However, the supportive and understanding environment at Holmesglen helped him navigate this new world.

"There were a lot of new concepts and many new ideas that I wasn't really familiar with, but having good teachers definitely helped a lot," Christopher reflects.

The ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Front End Web Development) with ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Back End Web Development) offered Christopher the mentorship of experienced developers, equipping him with the necessary skills to be job ready.

The program offers both full-time and part-time courses, with a duration of one year and two years, respectively. With the web development industry thriving in Australia and the increasing demand for digital products[1] this program equips learners with the necessary skills to enter and excel in this growing field.

While learning JavaScript proved to be a significant challenge for Christopher due to its complexity, he independently mastered HTML and CSS, realising that dedication and perseverance could overcome any obstacle.

Supportive environment and real- world settings

Holmesglen provides additional support to learners through weekly open lab sessions, offering mentorship and guidance during assessment tasks.

Opting for full-time remote study, Christopher accessed classes through WebEx. He appreciated the accessibility of teachers who were always available to answer questions and provide support both in an out of class time.

“My teachers were always available on WebEx from 9 to 5, so I could just shoot them a message and they responded quickly," says Christopher.

Following the completion of his web development course in February 2023, Christopher participated in the SummerTech LIVE Project, gaining practical experience in a real-world setting.

“The SummerTech LIVE course helped wet my feet in the professional web development space, gave me a taste of client work where I created design briefs and worked collaboratively with teams.”

Soon after, Christopher secured his first web development job at the Australian Council for Educational Research. While acknowledging the challenges of being in a new sector and the continuous learning involved, he is excited and happy with his new career.

"It's everything I always wanted in a job. I have a chance to be creative, go to a place where my input is valued and heard," Christopher highlights.

To prospective learners considering a career change into web development, Christopher offers a simple piece of advice: "Just go for it, take the plunge." He recognises the sacrifices he made to study full-time, but he believes that the return on investment is worthwhile.

Find out more about your web development study and career options on our courses page.

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