Switching careers can feel impossible when you’ve started in a completely different industry. For Johane Neethling from the Western Cape, South Africa, the idea of becoming a developer once felt far-fetched. She had been working as a cashier earning minimal wage, still searching for something that truly excited her.
But when she was awarded a scholarship through Natasha Joubert x ASUS x Miss SA, Johane took a leap. She quit her cashier job at a local hardware company and enrolled in the HyperionDev Web Development Bootcamp, a decision that completely reshaped her future.
Why Johane chose Web Development and HyperionDev
Johane’s first taste of coding came in high school with simple HTML and CSS. “It was the only homework I ever looked forward to doing,” she remembers. Even though she loved it, a career in tech felt out of reach at the time.
Years later, when the scholarship opportunity arose, she saw her chance. “I’ve always been fascinated with design, online applications, and the inner workings of the web. Web Development was the natural choice for me,” she explains.
HyperionDev’s hands-on learning, personalised mentorship, and practical projects gave her the structure she needed to build a foundation in tech, even with little prior experience.
The project that sparked confidence in tech
Like many students, Johane had doubts about whether she could build something complex. That changed during her Capstone project, where she created an online music player app using the iTunes API.
“I remember feeling so intimidated by the thought, wondering how I would ever do something so complex,” she recalls. “After much hard work, determination, and endless YouTube videos, Stack Overflow and W3Schools, I finally did it!”
The challenge became a turning point. Johane loved designing the interface, debugging her work, and sharing the finished product with family and friends. “It was really hard, but nothing beats that feeling of accomplishment when your application works seamlessly,” she says.
A career pivot from Cashier to Coding Apprentice
After completing her bootcamp, Johane began building her portfolio and networking while looking for temporary work. That’s when a surprising twist changed everything.
“I applied for a receptionist role at Gansbaai Car Wash,” she laughs. “During the interview, the owner, Ben Prinsloo, told me about his other company, Just Add Coffee (Pty) LTD, specialising in web development and applications. Naturally, I told him about my bootcamp, and instead of the receptionist job, he offered me an apprenticeship!”
Now, Johane works as a Full Stack Development Apprentice, mentored by Ben, who has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Over the past few months, she’s been learning HTML5, CSS3, PHP, JavaScript, and MySQL, and working on real-world projects and databases.
“I will never be able to thank Ben enough for seeing potential in me and giving me the chance to thrive in the industry,” she says. “I’ve never enjoyed a job more than I do now. I get to do what I love every day, and get paid for it!”
Confidence and support through career services
Johane credits HyperionDev’s Career Services with giving her the confidence to present herself professionally.
“They helped me with my portfolio, CV, and interview preparation. Their guidance taught me so much about the industry and how to network effectively. I left the bootcamp with not just technical skills, but the confidence to show them off,” she explains.
Skills and mentorship that made the difference
Johane’s success came from a mix of technical and soft skills she gained during the bootcamp:
- Core web technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Problem-solving: Breaking down complex coding challenges, debugging, and independent learning
- Soft skills: Time management, communication, and self-confidence
- Portfolio building: Showcasing real-world projects that proved her skills to employers
These skills, combined with her mentor’s hands-on training, set her up for success in a demanding role.
Boosting confidence in the workplace
Johane’s apprenticeship requires strict coding practices, often writing everything by hand without frameworks or shortcuts. Thanks to her foundation from the HyperionDev bootcamp, she was ready to adapt.
“The bootcamp taught me how to structure clean, efficient code and trust my own logic,” she says. “It gave me the confidence to work independently and handle real-world challenges.”
Advice for future students looking to move into tech
Johane strongly recommends the HyperionDev Web Development Bootcamp to anyone considering a career in tech, especially those starting with little or no technical background.
“The bootcamp pushed me, supported me, and prepared me for a successful start in tech. I wasn’t just learning theory, I was applying it, debugging, solving problems, and building a portfolio I’m proud of. It changed the course of, not just my career, but my life.”
Looking ahead: Working towards becoming a Full Stack Developer
Her journey from cashier to apprentice developer shows how quickly a career can change with the right training and determination. She’s now building real-world projects, expanding her skills, and working toward becoming a full-fledged full stack developer.
Ready to make your career move?
Johane’s story is proof that it’s never too late to pivot into a career you love. With the right support, practical training, and mentorship, you can go from zero experience to a role in tech in just a few months.
Explore HyperionDev’s Web Development Bootcamp and start your journey today.
