The stages of the MLA application process are explained in detail below.
The application process
What can I expect from the tech assessment?
Do I need to resign from my current job?
Can I apply if I need/have a Visa?
Withdrawing/Deferring
How does the MLA application process work?
To apply for the MLA you will need to complete the following steps:
- Read through all opportunities available, and ensure you understand the role you are applying for, and ensure you meet the criteria and requirements
- Complete the application form and upload your CV
- Complete the industry-standard tech assessment within 3 days of receiving it
- If you pass the tech assessment, you will be invited to the next stage, and asked to complete a short self-recorded online interview
- Ensure you have completed all steps by the deadline
- Once the deadline has passed, all applications will be considered, and if you are successful, you will receive an email inviting you to attend an interview. If you are unsuccessful, you will receive an email confirming this
- You may also receive an invitation to attend confidence coaching to support you at the interview stage
- Once interviewed, the company will shortlist all candidates and if successful, you will be offered a place on the MLA and a role within the company! 🎉
If you would like to know what the next steps are following a company interview this article here should prove useful.
What can I expect from the tech assessment?
The tech assessment is an online assessment that is sent to candidates who have applied to the MLA. We currently offer three different assessments in Python, Data and Java and you will be able to chose which one you take in your application - unless the company you are applying for specify one specific pathway.
The tech assessment should be industry standard for those who are at a junior-level and usually it takes around 90 minutes to complete but there is no time limit, you can take as long as you need. You need to reach a pass rate of 50% and if you do not achieve this, you get one more opportunity to retake the tech assessment.
We are able to detect plagiarism on Coderbyte (the platform the assessment takes place on), so please make sure to use your own original workings out where possible to reduce the chances of your application being rejected!
Do I need to resign from my current job?
Yes, to accept a place on the MLA you will need to give notice to your current employer. Please read each company application criteria carefully, and do not resign from your current role until you have written confirmation from the company.
However, if you would prefer to stay in your current role, you are welcome to ask your current company if they would sponsor you on the programme. Please speak to your manager about your interest in completing our training and if they are keen to find out more they can request a meeting with us via the following form.
If you are applying for an education-only MLA opportunity, you do not need to resign from your current job.
Can I apply if I am on a Visa/need a Visa/reside outside of the UK?
Please read our CFGdegree and MLA Visa guidelines here. We would also ask that you read the company requirements prior to applying, and ensure you meet this criteria to avoid being rejected further down the line. If there are no opportunities that meet your current circumstances, please check the company requirements next cohort to see if there are opportunities for you.
Can I withdraw/defer?
If you can no longer commit to the MLA or you want to defer, please let us know as soon as possible and contact the Community Support team directly by filling out this form.
You can withdraw your application at any point before you have signed your contract with the sponsoring company but if you have signed your contract, you will need to discuss this with the MLA team directly as there is the option of deferring to a later cohort.
If you drop out of the course by going no contact and not telling us, you will not be eligible to reapply for future MLAs.
FYI: We will always email you from a @codefirstgirls.com email address. Please report and block any spam emails.
We normally email from mla@codefirstgirls.com unless you have reached the final stage of MLA applications, you may be contacted from employee-specific email addresses.
If you are a current student on one of our courses, please refer to your class Slack channel to ask our Programmes team or your instructor for support. If you need help with general queries, you can contact our Community Support team via our contact form below! ⬇️