Free coding experience taster session offered

Attendees will learn simple coding tasks and no previous experience is necessary.  They will also hear about career opportunities in the sector and about CodeClan Highlands, which offers SQA accredited fast-track full stack web development courses. 

CodeClan Highland is being run on behalf of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) by CodeClan, Scotland’s only accredited academy for software and web development.

It forms part of the HIE-led Northern Innovation Hub (NIH), a project that received £11m from the UK Government and £1.7m ERDF support as part of the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal.  The Deal is a joint £315 million initiative supported by both the UK and Scottish governments.

The first CodeClan Highland course started in September 2019 and will complete on 22 November. Graduates will be fully prepared for developer roles and other digital roles encompassing programming and coding in a wide range of sectors.

The next course starts in early February 2020. It covers how to build a website from scratch in 12 weeks using Ruby and Javascript.

Students will become familiar with industry-wide methodologies including Agile software development and UX.  They also get support in developing softer skills such as CV preparation, presentation skills and networking.

Claire Munro, HIE senior development manager for the Northern Innovation Hub, said:

“Coding skills are essential for Highland businesses to compete on a national and global level. The digital age and Industry 4.0 is expected to create demand for skilled coders and software developers. We need to make sure people have the skills to fill these posts.

“That’s why technology is a theme that runs through all the the Northern Innovation Hub projects and what the Highlands Coding Academy is all about.”

The coding experience taster sessions will be held at the Creative Academy, Stephen’s Street, Inverness on 2 and 30 November.

Susan Considine, head of campus for CodeClan Highlands, said:

“Our very first Highlands Cohort is in week 9 of their 12-week course. This is very exciting for the Highlands for CodeClan to produce fully-qualified developers with the skills to match the needs of industry.

“We are currently recruiting students for Cohort 2, which starts in February 2020.  We have just signed our 13th employer partner in the Highlands and I expect this number to increase after the graduation of Cohort 1 in November 2019. We are delighted to be working with HIE and the Northern Innovation Hub.”

CodeClan also offers an Industry Engagement Programme whereby businesses can hire graduates as well as upskilling their existing staff. Becoming a partner allows businesses to gain knowledge of the opportunities available for growth through digital adoption and develop relationships with like-minded businesses.

Skills Development Scotland, one of the founding partners of CodeClan, reports average salaries in the digital industry to be around £37,500.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Colin Clark said: “The Highlands Coding Academy is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to unlock their potential and I encourage all budding digital entrepreneurs in the area to take full advantage of these taster sessions.

“From data driven innovation to cybersecurity and game design, the UK Government is investing in every region of Scotland’s booming digital economy. It’s vital we make sure jobs and opportunities are available to everyone, which is why the UK Government has committed over £1.4 billion to city and growth deals across Scotland.”