Claire Gillespie – Key Sector Manager – ICT and Digital Technologies

Recent months have seen a wealth of skills activity in Scotland’s ICT and Digital Technologies Sector.

With the launch of some major projects and with a host of other activities in the pipeline, it’s an exciting time as we work with a range of partners including the industry itself to tackle the skills shortages faced by the sector.

More and more attention is being focused on the need to boost skills in the digital sector due to the growth opportunities it offers, and we are well-placed to make a difference thanks to initiatives that are set to have a lasting effect.

CodeClan and Digital World

The launch of CodeClan, Scotland’s first Digital Skills Academy, is one such example.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney was among those who welcomed the first students at a launch event in October, with the ambitious plans for expansion being backed by increasing interest from those who view it as a passport to a new career.

Similarly, we are broadening the talent pipeline with launch of Digital World, a multi-channel marketing campaign which aims to encourage more people to consider the career possibilities on offer in the digital sector.

You may have already seen the campaign adverts on television and online, with the website offering a host of career information.

Skills Investment Plan

All of this stems from the Skills Investment Plan for Scotland’s ICT and Digital Technologies Sector, launched 18 months ago and backed by £6.6million of funding from the Digital Scotland Business Excellence Partnership.

In the third edition of our ICT and Digital Technologies Skills  Update you can read about a range of projects resulting from the Skills Investment Plan, plus other developments in the sector, such as the launch of graduate level apprenticeships in partnership with CGI, the launch BBC Make It Digital, and the appointment of Robbie Robinson as Chair of the ICT Skills Group.

Much more work lies ahead, with a huge variety of other projects at varying stages all aimed at helping employers across the sector fulfil their skills needs. Further updates on those projects, plus the latest on those mentioned above, will follow in future months.

What’s next?

If you would like to know how your company can become involved in this work or would simply like to find out more please e-mail me.