Five Careers Where Coding Skills Will Help Your Kids Get Ahead
has done a bunch of research into the industries that require coding, so we thought we’d share it.
1. Arts and Design
(also a good example of a “hybrid job” that combines different skill sets, in this case programming, design, and human factors engineering).
Coding skills required: Design Software (Photoshop, AutoCAD); Web Development (Javascript, HTML5)
Average advertised salary: $78,000
2. Data Analysis
Big data is transforming the business world, and it has reshaped the expectations for roles like business analysts, financial analysts, and data analysts.
use computer programming to analyze data and solve problems in business and finance. Common coding tasks include estimating how much money a company will earn or determining how many of a particular item a store should put on the shelves.
Coding skills required: Data Management (Excel including Visual Basic and Macros); Database & Business Intelligence (SQL, Oracle); Data Science (Hadoop, NoSQL Data, SAS, R)
Average advertised salary: $79,000
3. Engineering
, including mechanical engineers, civil engineers, and engineering technicians, use programming to design and test new products and conduct research on how to solve practical technology problems.
Coding skills required: Engineering Design (Computer Aided Design); Computer Aided Manufacturing (Programmable Logic Controllers, Computer Numerical Control machines) ; General Programming Languages (C++, Java)
Average advertised salary: $74,000
4. Science
.
Coding skills required: Statistical Software (SAS, R); Mathematical Computing (Python, C++)
Average advertised salary: $61,000
5. Information Technology
It’s no surprise that this field would value coding skills, but it may be a surprise that this is so widespread beyond the tech industry. Half of all programming openings are in Finance, Manufacturing, Health Care, and other sectors outside of the technology industry.
write software which can be used to create websites, build computer networks, help doctors treat patients, or even drive a car.
Coding skills required: General Programming Languages (Java, C++); Database and Business Intelligence (SQL, Oracle); Web Development (Javascript); Data Science (Hadoop, NoSQL, R)
Average advertised salary: $90,000
Let’s not forget teachers in primary, secondary and higher education positions. Computer technology is becoming more embedded in our curriculums, which means that teachers need the skills to actually teach it well to our kids!
It’s also important to note that
So while a number of industries need coding skills right now, we can only assume the need for coding skills in the future will be even greater.
Your Ultimate school holidays activity list
1. Get creative with Minions
What is it?
Kids go bananas for Minions (pun intended) and these school holidays they can express their fandom making a Minions movie using stop-motion animation techniques. Over 2 days, kids create their own Minions clay characters and design their own film set. The magic begins when they see their characters come to life by taking multiple images of objects and stitching them together to look like they’re moving! - It’s incredibly fun!
Why go?
If they watch their favourite animated movies on repeat, they’ll love creating Minions clay figurines and developing their own story, taking lots of still frames and stitching them together to create their very first movie!
Ages: 5-7
2. Become a DJ
What is it?
Children will take their first steps into the exciting world of mixing music to create their own DJ set.
Why go?
Kids will love mixing their favourite pop tunes using beat matching and transitions on real DJ decks. Plus, they will design their own DJ brand, develop branded merch, and even perform a DJ set to their friends!
Ages: 8-13
3. Pilot a drone
What is it?
Kids learn to pilot a drone using coding to design a flight path and watch in wonder as the drone takes flight!
Why go?
If your kid shows an interest in drones, they can learn more than just the basics of flying. Kids get a taste of cutting-edge technology and learn about coding, problem-solving, engineering, design, and more. They’ll learn about drone tech and safety, movie making, and discover how drones have a positive social impact when used to fight bushfires, rescue koalas, spot sharks on the coast and loads more!
Ages: 9-13
4. Become a YouTuber
What is it?
While they may not end up with YouTube stardom, we’re sure kids will have a new lens on screen time. They will be equipped with the skills to start producing and directing their own ideas instead of simply watching other people's! Plus, they’ll gain confidence ‘performing’ in front of audiences and on set and importantly, learn about staying safe online.
Why go?
Taking a YouTube fixation and turning it into something incredibly productive where kids will learn planning, storytelling, filming and video editing to become the star in their very own YouTube-style videos.
Ages: 8-13
5. Produce a LEGO movie
What is it?
Turn hours of playing with LEGO characters into an even more creative pursuit, by teaching kids to create their own LEGO Movie.
Why go?
They can use their favourite LEGO characters and sets, come up with a fun storyline and use stop-motion techniques to produce a short animation film. It will transform the way they play at home and offer endless hours of creativity for the rest of the holidays.
Ages: 7-12
6. Code a game
What is it?
Kids can design their own arcade-style video games (like Super Mario Bros), jam-packed with cool characters like zombies and unicorns, and awesome gaming features such as invisibility cloaks and shrinking potions. They’ll learn drag and drop code and logic to connect all the design elements together and bring their games to life!
Why go?
Kids are spending countless hours on Roblox and Minecraft these days. Get them to spark their creative side instead, by producing their own original games, using a combination of creative level design, storytelling and problem-solving to bring their creations to life. It’s so much fun, they won’t realise they are actually learning some very important coding and tech skills for their future.
Ages: 7-12
7. Develop a Website
What is it?
For kids with some proficiency in coding, they’ll create their own website from scratch about an animal, movie, sporting team or their favourite topic.
Why go?
With 1.93 billion websites on the world wide web, developers are in higher demand than ever before. It’s a great head start to gain fundamental web building skills and your kids will have so much fun in the process.