In an effort to bridge the gap between traditional software development and the burgeoning world of blockchain technology, Base Network has unveiled an ambitious initiative – the “Base Bootcamp.” This eight-week training program aims to equip mid to senior-level software engineering contributors with the skills and knowledge necessary to become proficient blockchain developers.
The announcement of Base Bootcamp comes as the Ethereum layer-2 Base network recognizes the urgent need for more blockchain developers. According to Base, there are currently fewer than 30,000 onchain developers worldwide, compared to a staggering 30 million software developers. This alarming discrepancy implies that a mere 0.1% of software developers are actively involved in Web3 development.
While Base Bootcamp is open to prospective blockchain developers at no cost, it’s not an open-door policy. The program targets “mid to senior-level Software Engineering individual contributors,” and candidates are required to undergo a selective application process to secure a spot. Each cohort will admit fewer than 20 students, ensuring personalized attention and effective learning.
Interested candidates must submit their applications by October 27, as the team will cease accepting applications beyond this date.
Base network’s role in addressing the Web3 developer shortage
Recognizing that learning a complex new skill can be challenging without proper support, Base Bootcamp is committed to providing a nurturing environment for its students. The program pairs each participant with a dedicated mentor, with weekly meetings to guide their progress. Moreover, students gain access to a pool of experienced engineers from Coinbase and Base who are available during office hours to answer questions and offer guidance.
A private Discord server will be established for students to facilitate communication among themselves and with Base engineers. Additionally, students will receive supplementary assignments graded by the program’s experts. These assignments are designed to enhance learning and practical skills in the blockchain development sphere.
At the culmination of the program, participants will be tasked with creating their own Web3 application, which they will present to their peers, further reinforcing their understanding and proficiency in the field.
Although Base Bootcamp is a tuition-free program, students are required to provide a deposit of 1 Ether (ETH), which at the time of writing, is valued at $1,599. This deposit serves as an incentive for students to complete the program successfully, as it will be refunded upon graduation.
The shortage of qualified Web3 developers is a well-documented challenge within the blockchain industry. To combat this issue, some educators in Australia have proposed incorporating Web3 development into high school curricula, aiming to nurture young talent in this field from an early age. Simultaneously, various companies have developed tools to simplify Web3 development, making it more accessible to a broader range of developers. Notably, Circle has recently launched a set of tools that enable developers to deploy contracts using familiar Web2 methods.
