A new scheme offering industry-led training for a new generation of software and web developers is being launched in the Highlands next year.
It marks an expansion into the region by the Edinburgh-based CodeClan, the UK’s first accredited digital skills academy.
Melinda Matthews-Clarkson, the organisation’s chief executive, said training at the new CodeClan Highland Academy would be given a “local twist” to ensure it meets the needs of businesses in the area.
The first intensive 12-week course will get under way in Inverness in the spring, with 15 students studying for an internationally recognised qualification in professional software development.
CodeClan has been delivering similar courses in Scotland’s central belt since 2015. The initiative is being managed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) as part of the £11 million Northern Innovation Hub
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Ms Matthews-Clarkson said: “CodeClan has seen success in central Scotland and it is time to engage with other parts of Scotland.
“Inverness will be our next location and we are proud to be part of the initiative. We are also launching our new partner programme to better service the needs of the tech industry, helping address the digital skills gap across Scotland.”
She added: “We will bring a highly successful delivery model to the Highlands, which will be given a local twist to ensure the course meets the requirements of businesses in the area.
“We hope to develop strong relationships with local businesses, collaborating with them in the development of the course as well as helping them to build relationships with students to aid recruitment.”
Felix Spittal, senior project manager at HIE, said: “Coding skills are increasingly in demand and employers are struggling to recruit suitably qualified people, so it’s fantastic to have a provider with the experience of CodeClan deliver such an important project in the Highlands.
“Their track record in the central belt is remarkable, so we’re really looking forward to seeing them make a similar impact in the Highlands.”
