Author: Paul Grenyer

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Paul Grenyer from Paul Grenyer

Welcome to our Youth in Tech issue – just in time for the new term! It was no coincidence that our August issue is all about younger developers, but we’ve also included articles about how it is important to never stop learning, even when we might think we know everything!

The world of tech is always evolving, sometimes it feels difficult to keep up with new developments and technologies. It’s important to spend some time investing in ourselves and staff to make sure we keep abreast of this ever-changing sector. We hear from Luminous PR and netmatters about the importance of learning in their articles.

Of course it wouldn’t really be a Youth Issue without the view of an actual young developer, and we knew just the chap. Teenager James kindly gave us his opinion on the best bits of being into technology and where he thinks the future of development will be and student developers Emily and David were also kind enough to give us a developers view of their university project ‘Theia’, which aims to use machine learning to help students.

On the lighter side of things developer Adam sent us an amusing code piece (just try not to spit your tea while reading!) and we were also lucky enough to have an insider view from the recent Apple conference in San Jose, California, so if you’ve ever wondered what actually happens inside Apple, see inside!

Download now: https://www.norfolkdevelopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/norDEVmagazine-201808-e05.pdf

Paul Grenyer from Paul Grenyer

nor(DEV):con, the Norfolk Developers Conference is back for 2019 and stronger than ever with new tracks and an updated format. nor(DEV):con is Norfolk and Norwich’s premier and most well attended conference for everyone involved in software development and business.

Call for Speakers

The call for speakers is open from now until Friday 28th of September 2018. To submit a proposal, please send an email to paul@norfolkdevelopers.com with the following:

• Session Title
• Session abstract
• Session topics: Pre-conference workshop, Tech, Process. Workshop, Stephen Fry, Business, Lightning talk
• Session length: 45 min presentation, 90 minute presentation, 90 minute hands on workshop, Full day hands on workshop, 5 minute Lightning talk
• Technical level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Business
• Speaker(s) Bio
• Availability for Thursday 21st (full day workshops only), Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd February.

Further information will be required if you proposal is accepted.

Conference Topics

Pre-Conference Full Day Workshops - We’re looking for three full day pre-conference hands on workshops. These should be on a software development or process theme and we’re looking for one beginner, one intermediate and one advanced workshop. Pre-conference workshops attract between 5 and 30 people.

Tech Track - We’re looking for 45 minute and 90 minute beginners, intermediate and advanced presentations primarily on coding, techniques and libraries. This year we’re particularly keen to include a few Blockchain sessions.

Process Track - Rather than just concentrating on Agile, this year we have a process track for any type of software development process. Yes, you can even propose a session on Waterfall if you’re feeling brave!

Stephen Fry Track - Software Development is more than just code and practices. It’s about people. And people are not logical entities that follow easily understood rules. We’re illogical, irrational, and tend to shy away from difficult subjects like mental illness, inequality, and bias. This track looks at the softer side of Software Development, at the people, how they interact, and how we can work with the whole gamut of humanity, because it’s not just Stephen Fry who has  manic depression.

Workshop Track - We’re looking for 90 minute hands on workshops for up to 20 people. These can be on any of the topics above and delegates bring their own laptops.

Business Track - The business track is the track for everyone! We’re looking for business based sessions with a technical slant.

Lightning Talks - On the Friday evening during the wine reception, which will be in the main hall, we’ll also be opening the floor to lightning talks. A lightning talk is a 5 minute presentation and we encourage new speakers as well as experienced speakers to present.

Speakers Package

• Free entry to the Friday and Saturday sessions at the conference
• Free entry to the Friday night speakers dinner
• Travel and accommodation at the discretion of the conference organise

Paul Grenyer from Paul Grenyer

We are really pleased to announce that Sync the City 2018 will be held on November 15-17th at OPEN, Norwich.

This will be our 5th year in which we challenge attendees to Build & Launch a Startup in 54 Hours - for fun or profit.   Last year the event sold out in 9 days, subscribers to this list will be notified of ticket sales 24 hours ahead of public sale (early September).

OPEN Norwich - its BIG, its BEAUTIFUL



Experience the highs, lows, fun, and pressure that make up life at a startup.

Do you have an idea that could be solved using technology? Or perhaps want to know more about how technology startup businesses become the next Facebook?

SyncNorwich's flagship event is Sync the City 2018 is a 54-hour event that brings together entrepreneurs, developers, business managers, marketing gurus, graphic artists, and students to pitch ideas for new startup companies, to form teams around those ideas, and to develop a working prototype, demo & presentation.

In just 54 hours, you will experience the highs, lows, fun, and pressure that make up life at a startup.

CONNECT with people driven to build something new.

DISCOVER where you are on the Entrepreneur's Journey.

LEARN what it really takes to start a company. No book, panel, speaker will teach you what you need to know.

START It’s that simple. Sync the City is designed to get you going, FAST. So grab your ticket syncthecity.com and let's do this.

Paul Grenyer from Paul Grenyer

"It was an invaluable and pretty unique experience"

Here at Naked Element we’re big into supporting the future of tech, and that means young people. One work experience recruit was Chelsea, an ambitious school student who went on to be accepted at Oxford to study Computer Science. We couldn’t be more proud! Here she tells us a little about her journey and what inspired her to take up tech and join Naked Element for some real world experience.

How did you start your work experience with Naked Element?

One of my teachers at school was friends with Paul Grenyer (MD of Naked Element), and I was looking around for any work experience in the tech/computing/software industry. I had begun thinking about what I wanted to do in the future and had begun thinking of going into a technology based career. I was introduced to Paul and he asked me what I wanted out of the experience and offered me work experience. After completing a week, he offered to let me come and do another week of paid work!

What skills did you bring to Naked Element do you think?

Not sure I brought too many skills but I had some previous programming experience with python and a tiny bit in Java. I’d done my fair share of teamwork and group projects but this was definitely my first experience in a ‘work’ / ‘professional’ environment.

What did your work experience entail?

I was really surprised when I arrived on my first day and was given a real project to work on, and actual code to edit. It was a vastly different experience to other placements I had done and I loved the hands on experience. I got to work on a couple of projects including one that would manage your social media posts. What was really interesting for me was seeing the difference between the theory we learn in class and how it’s actually implemented in real life, such as client and server side processing. When I came in I thought I would be completely out of my depth, but even though I didn’t understand Java to start with everyone at Naked Element was willing to take the time to explain to me how something worked and what it was doing. Even being given a task as simple as going through previous code and fixing mistakes or inefficient parts was a useful experience for me and has helped in me checking to make sure my A Level coursework is as efficient as possible!

Were there any stand out moments during your time with the company?

Definitely the best part about the work experience was the hands on nature of it. I definitely had never had work experience that was so hands on, it would often just be tours of the departments etc. But with Naked Element I actually got to look and work on code for live projects.

What did you learn while at Naked Element?

I learnt a lot on my work experience. I got a serious introduction to Java and experience with JavaScript and CSS as well as what a career in Software Development could entail. As well as the actual tech aspects of the experience. I learnt a lot about the business management side of things and it was interesting going to one of the talks and training sessions and learning how to better advertise the company. It was also brilliant being introduced to other tech companies around Norwich and seeing how they interact.

What made you choose Oxford?

I’ve always been pretty ambitious, and I wanted to apply for Oxford on the chance I got in. The opportunities a degree from Oxford would provide would be almost unmatched and I adore the city. I’d also enjoyed looking round on the open days and the taster lectures I had. I currently hold an offer to study Computer Science at Jesus College, I just need to get the grades now!!

Do you think your time with Naked Element helped with your application?

I definitely think it helped, it was an invaluable and pretty unique experience that helps make you stand out from the thousands of others who apply. I know a lot of people don’t have the opportunity to get work experience.

Do you have any plans for your career future yet?

I’m not sure about a career future. After my work experience I’m definitely looking at software development. I also like the idea of working in cyber security or even AI. I think Computer Science opens up a vast field of job prospects and I haven’t quite got around to choosing one just yet. Luckily I don’t have to.

Do you have any advice for other young people interested in tech?

Firstly go out and get experience. It’s not easy but there’s no harm in asking and you’re not going to find what you enjoy or what you’re good out without trying things out. I don’t think there is any harm in broadening your skills and any experience is good experience.

Paul Grenyer from Paul Grenyer

We don’t just create industry-changing software for big businesses, we can also pick up smaller jobs that need a quick result. Naked Element recently completed a minor job for Thyngs, a digital consumer engagement company based in Norwich. With our flexible team, experienced in development and design, we were able to turn the work around in a matter of hours.

Niall, head of marketing at Thyngs, said “we needed some urgent, short-term support with some updates we needed to make to our website. We know Paul and the team, and he was responsive and eager to help.”

Our designer/developer Shelley stepped in to get the job done. “Thyngs wanted some new pages added to their existing website, all in the same format, and they wanted their homepage amended slightly. Niall was lovely, easy to talk to and clear in what he wanted, which meant there were no snags or issues to worry about!”

Even though it was only a few hours work, Naked Element still have a reputation for quality. “Everyone was very professional and proactive” said Niall, “I would absolutely recommend Naked Element to companies in need of similar support”

Even the smallest job deserves dedication!

Paul Grenyer from Paul Grenyer

When: Monday 2nd July @ 5.30pm

Where: The Library Restuarant, 4A Guildhall Hill, Norwich NR2 1JH

RSVP: https://www.meetup.com/Norfolk-Developers-NorDev/events/251982755/

How the employer voice can influence technical & vocational training and apprenticeships in the digital and IT skills sector over the next 5 years.

Jerry White - Deputy Principal at City College Norwich

The Government’s agenda for the wider field of technical and vocational education alongside apprenticeships is changing. As a large FE College and apprenticeship provider we believe that employers are central to this process and our aim this evening is to start meaningful dialogue into how we can enable employers to both support and challenge us as we launch the new T Level curriculum and apprenticeship standards. We want to hear from you about the challenges you have in recruiting employees and how we can work together to fill the gap and make a difference to the next generation.

The goal of the session is to begin to investigate where local businesses could help us trial the industrial placement model and how we can develop our working relationship over a number of years and ask you as employers what should our curriculum look like?'

Paul Grenyer from Paul Grenyer

When: 28 June 2018, 9am to 4.45pm

Where: The Kings Centre, Kings Street, Norwich, NR1 1PH

How much: £150

RSVP: https://www.meetup.com/Norfolk-Developers-NorDev/events/250241910/

WordPress is the world’s best and most popular website builder and this hands-on course takes you through from the basics, including installation and set up, to cover all the most useful features and tools WordPress offers. Whether you already have a site and want to manage it properly or are starting completely from scratch, this is the course for you.

You will learn to

• set up and run a great website of your own
• add content, images and videos
• add structure and navigation menus
• apply an attractive design using easy templates
• make the site search engine friendly
• add contact forms, maps and take payments
• add social networking and track visitorslearn to add all the features and functionality you need to run and develop a fantastic website
• and much, much more…

How the course works

• Please bring your own laptop: PC, Mac or Chromebook, any is fine. Or you can hire a laptop for the day here.
• WiFi and power sockets are provided
• No experience is needed – WordPress is incredibly easy to pick up and you will be free to go at your own pace throughout the day.
• All training materials will be provided after the course, so there need be no fear of “falling behind”.This is an intensive course and assumes a reasonable working knowledge of using computers and the internet, even if you have little or no prior knowledge of WordPress. If you are comfortable with using email, copy/paste, saving files/folders and navigating the internet, you should be fine! (see more advice in our FAQ here)
• After the course you are welcome to stay around for further discussion with your trainer Toby and with each other, about WordPress, about your website and about your business.
• After the course, you will be sent all the course materials and clear instructions for setting up your site on its own domain name (old or new). You will have a year of free hosting, after which time it is from just £8/mo for unlimited space and bandwidth.

More details here (https://wpcourses.co.uk/wordpress-training-courses/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0bSL8tTR1wIVSjobCh2A9gVdEAAYASAAEgJLnfD_BwE).

Paul Grenyer from Paul Grenyer

When: Wednesday, 20 June 20 - 9:00am to 4:45pm

Where: Kings Centre, King Street, Norwich, NR1 1PH

How much: £85

RSVP: https://www.meetup.com/Norfolk-Developers-NorDev/events/250343445/

If you would like to start using the worlds most popular PHP framework, this is the workshop for you.

We will cover from installing Laravel to building a basic application. Everyone will learn along as we go from a freshly installed Laravel application up to creating a basic web app that interacts with a database.

Course Details

We will aim to cover the following (subject to change and class experience)

• Routing
• Using Blade (templating)
• Controllers
• Validation
• Config/Env
• Using Eloquent (database ORM)
• Laravel inbuilt Auth
• Artisan (CLI commands)
• File Storage

Instructor

Simon Bennett is a Software Consultant who works with Laravel daily, helping clients update there development practices and coding software for startups. He also runs his own SAAS for backing up DigitalOcean servers which of course is all built with basic Laravel.

Prerequisites

This beginners workshop will run through simple code as we learn about Laravel.

Basic knowledge of PHP is required, I would recommend you know you know basic OOP.

To save time on the day, you will be contacted directly before the workshop with a guide on setting up docker. The reason we use docker is to make sure we are using identical environments on Windows/Mac/Linux.

Since Laravel used to build web-based applications (mostly), it would be helpful to a basic understanding of developing websites in PHP and MySQL.

• Bring your Laptop
• Have Docker installed
• A good IDE like PHPStorm is strongly recommended
• Working command terminal
• A GIT client installed

Paul Grenyer from Paul Grenyer

TechNorwich: The End. A Story & New beginnings

Whitespace is sadly now having to close. Started in 2013, it was the first and largest co-working space in Norwich. Its been home to many great & successful businesses, plus home to Barclays Eagle Labs and birthplace of TechVelocity, the first accelerator for the region. Come along to this event to have a drink to remember some of the history, catch up with some of the great businesses that have lived here and discuss on the future of the amazing digital creative & tech sector in our fine city.

Get your ticket: https://technorwich.eventbrite.co.uk