Bruce | IT Support

Bruce – From Full-Time Carer to Quality Engineer

Before joining Generation, Bruce was unemployed and working as a full time carer for his mum. With little support and a lack of qualifications, he struggled to break into a career in tech.

What challenges did you face in getting into tech?
“Access 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’t sit my GCSEs. I taught myself using free resources but there was no structured support. I was on Jobseeker’s Allowance and, even though my Work Coach tried to help, I still didn’t know how to write a proper cover letter or prepare for interviews.

I did get some initial experience working at a multimedia company as a QA Tester in the Games Department. Unfortunately, when the government’s Kickstart Scheme ended, so did my role, and I found myself unemployed again.”

Bruce enrolled onto Generation’s IT Support bootcamp in Scotland, where he got the structured environment he needed to develop both his skills and confidence to thrive in a role in tech.

What made you excited to join the bootcamp?
“As a tech enthusiast, I was really looking forward to strengthening my understanding of computing fundamentals, improving my problem-solving strategies, and sharpening my debugging skills.”

What did you find challenging about the programme?
“As a neurodivergent learner, I tend to absorb material deeply and intensely, so it was sometimes hard to keep up with the pace or to learn in sync with others who had different learning styles. But Generation introduced me to a supportive community, which I’d never really had before in my career journey.”

How did the bootcamp help you grow?
“Generation gave me a structured environment to grow in both confidence and competence. It helped me develop soft skills like communication and collaboration, things that are hard to pick up through self-learning.”

Straight after graduating, Bruce secured a role as a Junior Test Engineer at 2i Testing. He has since been promoted to Quality Engineer.

What do you enjoy most about your job now?
“I really enjoy the opportunity to grow within a supportive team. I’ve had amazing mentors who’ve encouraged my progression. There’s also a clear path for advancement at 2i—I’m excited about possibly moving into a leadership or strategy role in the future.”

What are you most excited about for the future?
“I’m excited to keep building on what I’ve already achieved. I’d like to grow into a leadership or specialist role, not just to develop strong testing frameworks but to help shape how accessibility and neurodivergence are supported in tech teams.”

How has employment changed your life?
“It’s had a huge impact. For the first time in years, I’ve 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.”

Bruce’s story is a testament to the transformative power of Generation programmes. Through the bootcamp, he gained more than just technical skills. He now has financial security, a sense of purpose, and is excited to plan for the future. Bruce co-chairs Generation’s 2024 Alumni Advisory Board, giving his time to Generation to support the development of our work.