From Full-Time Carer to Quality Engineer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before Generation, Bruce was unemployed and caring for his mum full time. Without qualifications or support, he struggled to break into tech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAccess was a major barrier. I was self-taught with no formal qualifications, so employers often overlooked me. Growing up, I had to prioritise being a carer, which meant I didn\u2019t sit my GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education). I used free resources but there was no structured support. I was on Jobseeker\u2019s Allowance and didn\u2019t know how to write a proper cover letter or prepare for interviews.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bruce briefly worked as a QA Tester in a games department, but when the Kickstart Scheme ended, so did his role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finding Structure and Support<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bruce joined Generation\u2019s IT Support bootcamp in Scotland. It gave him the structure, skills, and community he had been missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs a tech enthusiast, I was excited to strengthen my fundamentals, improve my problem-solving, and sharpen my debugging. As a neurodivergent learner, it was sometimes hard to keep up, but Generation introduced me to a supportive community I\u2019d never had before.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The programme helped him grow in confidence and competence, and develop communication and collaboration skills that self-learning couldn\u2019t provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Building a Career in Tech<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Straight after graduating, Bruce became a Junior Test Engineer at 2i Testing. He has since been promoted to Quality Engineer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI really enjoy the opportunity to grow within a supportive team. I\u2019ve had amazing mentors who\u2019ve encouraged me, and I can see a clear path ahead. I\u2019m excited about moving into leadership or strategy in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Life Transformed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Employment has been life-changing. \u201cIt\u2019s had a huge impact. For the first time in years, I\u2019ve achieved financial stability and can actually plan for the future. Mentally, the difference is night and day. Having a clear path, a sense of purpose, and a team that believes in me has made a massive difference to my confidence and overall happiness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now co-chair of Generation\u2019s 2024 Alumni Advisory Board, Bruce gives back his time to help shape the programme for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Click to discover how Generation can support you in building high-performing teams and creating lasting social impact.<\/p>\n\t\n\n\n\n\nLET\u2019S START A CONVERSATION<\/h2>\n\n\n