My name is Akin Oladeji and before Learnwithpride Limited, I worked as a Software Automation Engineer.

Learnwithpride Limited is a pioneering IT company. We are dedicated to facilitating seamless transitions for individuals looking to forge a successful career path in the IT industry, even if they come from non-technical or non-IT backgrounds.

Recognising the transformative power of education, Learnwithpride has carved out a niche in providing comprehensive and hands-on training programmes that cater to a variety of IT-related domains.

Inspiration

The genesis of Learnwithpride is a story of personal transformation and the unwavering determination to bridge a gap that I personally encountered. I transitioned from an accounting background to becoming a Software Automation Engineer, which was not just a change of profession, but a journey that inspired the birth of a company dedicated to guiding others through similar transitions.

I always had it at the back of my mind that I wanted to be self-employed, but I didn’t know what type of business to venture into until I transitioned to the IT industry. But I was still a rookie, so to stay on top of the game, I started training friends and family, and from there, I developed the passion and motivation for teaching and that was what gave birth to the business.

I firmly believe that everyone has the potential to thrive in the IT industry, given the right guidance and resources. So, the motivation behind my business involves an inclusive learning approach around equipping learners with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to succeed.

I also want to make practical hands-on training more accessible. We understand that real-world experience is key to mastering IT disciplines. Our courses provide participants with opportunities to engage in meaningful, project-based activities that mirror the challenges and tasks faced by professionals in their respective fields. By working on actual projects, learners gain invaluable insights into the practical applications of their newfound skills.

In essence, Learnwithpride is more than just a training provider; it’s a gateway to fulfilling IT careers. By fostering a culture of hands-on learning, personalised attention, and industry relevance, we’re making the journey from non-IT backgrounds to the IT space both attainable and rewarding.

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The journey

Everything is going really well so far. We continue to learn from our mistakes and use feedback to improve our services. All in all, it has been a pleasant journey so far.

The growth curve

We are still a very small company, but compared to where we started, I can say that we’ve grown considerably.

Initially, Learnwithpride only offered software automation training. Two years later, we added 6 more types of training. This expansion has helped us leverage the success we already achieved, allowing us to be a massive success, as well while maintaining good feedback and creating employment opportunities.

Challenges

This business journey has undoubtedly been a rewarding endeavour, but it's not without its challenges.

One of the major hurdles in this line of work is the diversity of learners' backgrounds and learning paces. Participants come from various professional and educational backgrounds, and their familiarity with IT concepts can vary widely. This presents a challenge in designing courses and training programs that cater to both newcomers who need foundational knowledge and those who might have some existing technical skills. Balancing the content to ensure that it’s engaging and helpful for everyone can be quite intricate.

Another challenge comes from the IT field constantly evolving, with new technologies, tools, and methodologies emerging frequently. As an IT training company, it's essential to stay up to date with these advancements and incorporate relevant content into your courses. However, this presents a challenge in terms of curriculum development, as you need to find the right balance between teaching foundational concepts and including the latest industry trends.

Transitioning from a non-IT background into the IT space has also been quite overwhelming. There are plenty of challenges and uncertainties when you apply your skills and knowledge to real-life situations and, more importantly, your own clients. It can also be challenging to find those clients and suitable opportunities, which is what the business relies on to thrive and go from strength to strength.

I also found it quite emotionally daunting to transition from one career to another – it’s scary when you step into a new field. But I’m so glad that I’ve embraced this change and persisted through the difficulties to get my company to where it is today.

Highlights

What I enjoy most about my job and running my business is the smile that it puts on people’s faces when they secure their dream job.

The future

At Learnwithpride, we envision a future where barriers to entry in the IT field are minimised, allowing aspirants from diverse backgrounds to embark on rewarding IT careers. Our mission is to bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement, fostering a community of skilled professionals who excel in their chosen IT roles.

We would really like to expand and be able to serve more people from different countries, as well as partner with different IT companies.

Advice

The road is not always smooth. Trials and challenges will come, but you need to stay strong and focused, because there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.