My Code First Girls Experience: Grace Johnson

At Flutter UK & Ireland, we are extremely proud of our on-going partnership with Code First Girls.

Code First Girls has become one of the largest providers of free coding courses for women globally, having delivered over £75 million worth of free technology education and teaching three times as many women to code as the entire UK university undergraduate system. 

Recently, we caught up with a few members of the CFG alumni who have shared their experience in the programme with us and how it has shaped their career within Flutter UK & Ireland. Today we are catching up with Grace Johnson, an Associate Software Engineer within the Accounts tribe with Sky Betting & Gaming. 

Hi Grace! Can you tell us a bit about where your journey began? 

My career began in the Civil Service, where I have spent the majority of my working life so far. I was a Team Leader for about five years before transitioning into project management. I always found the most satisfaction in creating digital tools and working with spreadsheets, which led me to explore career options that would allow me to do this daily. That's when I discovered software engineering—a field that initially felt unfamiliar. After seeking advice from a friend, I began learning coding languages in my free time. When I was ready for a career switch, I came across Code First Girls and applied for a position sponsored by Flutter UKI.

How did you find out about the programme and what about it appealed to you?

Surprisingly, I first heard about Code First Girls on TikTok (a discovery I’m semi-ashamed to admit as a then 30-year-old!). However, once I looked into it, I realised it was the perfect way for me to transition into tech, offering sponsored spots with the promise of job security after completion. Leaving a stable role in the Civil Service was a tough decision, but the program's structure and opportunities made it worth the risk.

The application process was intense, involving multiple interviews, a technical test, and a face-to-face meeting at Flutter UKI’s Leeds office. Thankfully, my interviewers, Jamie (Munro) and Chloe (Williams), were incredibly welcoming, and I knew I was making the right decision. The course itself lasted three months, with online workshops four evenings a week, plus group projects and homework. The instructors were fantastic, and the time flew by!

What advice would you give to someone who was interested in a career with us here or even within your team!

I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive team at Flutter UK&I. My colleagues have been incredibly welcoming, and my manager, Tom Guyah, has given me the autonomy to take on challenges at my own pace. While starting from scratch on some tasks can feel overwhelming, this approach has accelerated my learning. I’ve had the opportunity to work with different programming languages and gain a deeper understanding of wider technical concepts.

Flutter UKI is also dedicated to continuous learning, providing one day every two weeks solely for learning and development. Additionally, we have access to Udemy resources and a £1,000 annual fund for external learning. This support has been invaluable in helping me grow both technically and professionally.

It's great to hear you are surrounded by such supportive colleagues! Why do you think more women should consider career switching or getting involved with a programme like Code First Girls? 

Career changes can feel daunting and risky, especially for women, which is partly why tech still has fewer women entering the field. The fast pace and constant change in the industry can make it seem overwhelming. When I was considering my switch to tech, some people close to me were concerned about leaving behind benefits such as a competitive pension and good maternity leave. However, companies like Flutter UKI offer these same benefits, plus the chance to work in a dynamic and engaging role.

If you’re unsure about taking the leap, I recommend talking to others who have made similar transitions, and think about what you truly want from your career. Taking that risk could lead to a more fulfilling and exciting future!

Would you recommend this experience to others?

Joining Flutter UKI and making the switch to tech has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The support, learning opportunities, and inclusive environment have made my transition into tech both rewarding and exciting. For anyone considering a similar path, I can confidently say that it's worth the leap.