Piers Wedlake
I am a Developer
About
My career began in the financial sector, where I spent several years as a mortgage and protection adviser. What I loved most wasn’t sales — it was the human side: understanding people’s goals, analysing their needs, and building tailored solutions that genuinely helped. That experience taught me to communicate clearly, think analytically, and stay calm under pressure.
After facing some major life changes, I decided to reset and retrain in something that had always fascinated me — technology. I’m now studying with the IT Career Switch Software Development Programme, creating full-stack projects that combine logical problem-solving with creative design.
I’m detail-driven, curious, and highly motivated to build a long-term career in software development. As a developer — and as someone who’s rebuilt from the ground up — I bring resilience, focus, and strong communication skills to every project. With a new chapter ahead as a father and professional developer, I’m excited to keep learning, keep improving, and create meaningful, user-focused software.
Skills
I have developed a strong foundation in both front-end and back-end web development through the IT Career Switch program. My skills include building responsive, accessible, and data-driven web applications using modern technologies such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Bootstrap, PHP, and MySQL. I enjoy solving real-world problems through clean design, efficient code, and structured databases.
HTML5
CSS3
JavaScript
Python
C#
Java
PHP
jQuery
Bootstrap
Curriculum Vitae
Motivated and adaptable Developer with a strong foundation in full-stack web development and a proven background in financial services, client relations, and project management. Currently retraining through IT Career Switch’s Software Development Programme, building portfolio-ready projects using HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, and Bootstrap. Combining analytical thinking with creative problem-solving and a genuine enthusiasm for technology and learning.
Summary
Piers Wedlake
Junior Software Developer / Trainee Full-Stack Engineer
Enthusiastic and detail-oriented developer with hands-on experience delivering responsive, data-driven applications such as an Interactive Gazetteer API Explorer and a Company Directory CRUD system. Skilled in modern front-end and back-end technologies, accessibility, and user-focused design. Former mortgage adviser and sales professional with excellent communication skills, now leveraging that background to create clear, efficient, and user-friendly software.
Education
Software Development Career Programme
2024 – Present
IT Career Switch
Comprehensive retraining course covering full-stack development: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, Bootstrap 5, APIs, and version control with Git/GitHub. Includes practical portfolio projects and tutor-led code reviews.
CeMAP & DipFA Financial Qualifications
2015 – 2018
London Institute of Banking & Finance / Countrywide
Achieved CeMAP (Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice) and the DipFA (Diploma for Financial Advisers), demonstrating strong analytical and compliance skills. The precision, record-keeping, and client-focused communication developed here now inform my approach to clean, reliable code and structured data management.
A-Levels: Law, English, and History
2010 – 2012
Richard Huish College, Somerset
Built a strong foundation in research, written communication, and critical analysis — skills that now transfer directly to documentation, debugging, and logical problem-solving in software development.
Professional Experience
Freelance Web Development Projects
2024 – Present
Remote / Portfolio Work
- Designed and deployed responsive web applications integrating APIs, databases, and dynamic UI components.
- Implemented clean, maintainable code following accessibility and security best practices.
- Collaborated with tutors and mentors to refine UX/UI and ensure high-quality code performance.
Mortgage Adviser & Sales Consultant
2014 – 2023
Various Financial Institutions, UK
- Delivered tailored financial advice within regulated frameworks.
- Managed client portfolios with attention to accuracy, compliance, and detail.
- Developed communication and interpersonal skills now applied in technical and client-facing roles.
- Consistently exceeded performance metrics through data-driven planning and process improvement.
Portfolio
A selection of key projects developed during my full-stack training. Each demonstrates a different aspect of web development — from responsive UI design to API integration and database management.
Gazetteer — Interactive World Explorer
The Gazetteer is an interactive world explorer built using Leaflet.js, multiple REST APIs, and Bootstrap 5. It dynamically retrieves live data — countries, borders, weather, news, currency, and Wikipedia summaries — providing a complete global overview in one responsive app.
- 🌍 Live API integration (GeoNames, RESTCountries, OpenWeather, NewsData.io)
- 🗺️ Dynamic map with markers and modal popups
- 💡 Fully responsive Bootstrap interface
Company Directory — CRUD Management System
The Company Directory is a full-stack web app built with PHP, MySQL, and Bootstrap 5.3 to manage Personnel, Departments, and Locations. It features modular PHP endpoints, AJAX table updates, and smooth, accessible modals for creating, editing, and filtering records.
- 👥 Dynamic data table with instant AJAX refresh
- 📁 Secure CRUD operations via prepared SQL statements
- ⚙️ Responsive, tutor-approved Bootstrap UI with ARIA support
Contact
I welcome enquiries about development roles, collaborations, or portfolio projects. Please use the form below to get in touch — I aim to respond promptly and professionally to all messages.
Location
Taunton, Somerset, United Kingdom
Available on request via contact form
Phone
Available on request via contact form