CodeforBC offers jobseekers a lifeline to find their next tech role

With big tech and startups cutting more jobs, it’s becoming harder for seasoned talent and recent graduates to find new opportunities. 

CodeforBC is tackling this issue at a provincial level by helping locals break into and upskill in the industry while contributing to the common good. The initiative consists of volunteers working on projects that aim to address complex challenges — from B.C.’s housing crisis to the global need to use tech responsibly. The team builds solutions for organizations that want to develop new tools, improve services, or explore the potential of emerging tech.

It’s a win-win situation for those looking to advance their career, and for governments, businesses, and non-profits needing support. In the province alone, the unemployment rate increased to 5.8 per cent in August, compared to 5.5 per cent in July. Plus, the country remains behind other countries in digitizing services.

“At CodeforBC, we help volunteers build their portfolios and give them the chance to work within a team environment — where they can showcase their technical skills and develop soft skills like communication, collaboration, and project management,” Sam Huo, founder and president of CodeforBC, told the Vancouver Tech Journal. 

Huo added: “For the organizations we serve, a major challenge for them is accessing the technical expertise needed to implement digital solutions. Many lack the resources to develop and maintain projects that could greatly benefit their operations. We bridge this gap by connecting them with skilled volunteers who can design and build the solutions they need. This helps them focus on their core missions while leveraging tech to enhance their impact.”

Inspired by other major initiatives

Last October, CodeforBC came together after Huo and some fellow tech enthusiasts realized a gap in B.C. There weren’t any local initiatives like HackforLA, Open Austin, or Code for Canada where volunteers and organizations join to serve social and civic needs. 

“We thought, ‘Why isn't there something like this here, given our vibrant tech scene?’" shared Huo.

The group took up the opportunity and started their own organization. It was initially called OpenBC but was later changed to CodeforBC. Sam and the team were quick to put up a website and get the word out.

“I attend meetups and events around Vancouver, which is how I met YK Sugi, the founder of CS Dojo,” Huo shared. “I was really inspired by one of his talks about building in public. We follow that approach by placing equal emphasis on our projects, tech, and social media presence. It also helps that our members are active in the local tech scene.”

CodeforBC’s team include engineers, developers, product managers, UI/UX designers, and data and ML scientists. While each member was drawn to the initiative’s mission, many joined for different reasons.

Chloe Lim, a UI/UX designer, said it was hard for her to get more hands-on experience in her field because of the job marketing being “really tough.” Lim said CodeforBC gave her the opportunity to build her career and make industry contacts.

The same is true for Sherry Wu, who’s also a UI/UX designer and product manager. Wu highlighted that the initiative helped her explore different career paths in an encouraging environment. 

Correy Lim, meanwhile — a software developer —- was given the chance to learn new web development tech, like NextJS. He was also able to meet and collaborate with other programmers — which was previously difficult since his employer’s team is spread across the world.

Current and potential projects

The first project CodeforBC focused on was identifying and flagging illegal short-term rentals. The software it developed extracts public data from Airbnb and government databases and uses AI and ML to validate if listings have a real business license or meet regulations. Since May this year, Airbnbs have not been allowed to operate if the accommodation is not the owner or tenant's primary residence; CodeforBC's project can determine that eligibility, as well as if the business has a license at all.

The team hopes their tool will increase compliance with regulations, housing stock, and stability for long-term residents. They currently do not have a partnership with the provincial government but are in talks to make that happen. 

CodeforBC is also working with GoodBot Society, a nonprofit that consults on how to use tech responsibly. Among its projects is the Canadian Responsible Technology Hub, which lists organizations, experts, and resources that offer guidance on using tools like AI safely, respectfully, and ethically. CodeforBC is supporting GoodBot with the launch preparations.

“They’ve already helped us to rethink some of our tech stack and project plans to make sure that what we're building is sustainable,” said Renee Black, the founder of GoodBot. “They’ve also helped us to make sure that we’re making effective use of tools.”

Another CodeforBC project in the pipeline is with fellow tech community leader, Samson Li. Together, they’re creating a product that makes it easy for families with autistic children to navigate available services and resources.

Huo and his team have also submitted a proposal to YWCA Tech Connect, a program that helps newcomer women with IT experience find jobs. CodeforBC hopes to develop a platform that aids participants in preparing for interviews and receiving tailored feedback. 

Takeaways for talent and organizations 

For anyone struggling to secure new opportunities, Huo reminds jobseekers that it’s not a reflection of one’s abilities or worth. He encourages people to keep pushing forward, stay positive, and know they’re not alone. Some tips he shares to navigate the job market include being open to networking and practicing interviewing skills through mock sessions or technical challenges like LeetCode, and the founder also suggests taking on side projects demonstrating technical and soft skills. 

As for organizations searching for support, Huo says CodeforBC is always looking to work with those that align with its values. These include being community-centric, embracing diversity and inclusivity, and welcoming unique approaches to drive change. Working together on these projects, Huo believes, can “not only solve problems but inspire others to get involved and make a difference.”

“I'm excited to see how our projects contribute to shaping a better future for B.C.,” said Huo. “Watching our collective efforts make a tangible impact on the community is both rewarding and motivating.”

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