Member Article

Computer whizz-kids pass skills to next generation

Computer whizz-kids have teamed up with leading software firms to educate the next generation of IT talent and help tackle a skills shortage in the sector.

The Level 3 Software Development students at Gateshead College alongside Shaun Allan from Vector 76 worked together in the ‘Hour of Code’ event, an informative and fun afternoon to encourage 60 eight to ten year-olds from Colegate Primary School in Leam Lane to learn more about computing.

Eighteen year-old Cameron Moody from Chester-le-Street, who is studying a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Software Development at Gateshead College, said: “It’s been great being able to pass on skills to a new generation of students and I’ve found it really rewarding. The session has been very interactive and the kids look like they’ve had a lot of fun. I’d have loved to have had an opportunity like this when I was their age”.

According to a recent report by the Policy Exchange think tank, the North East IT sector has 1,500 unfilled job vacancies. This figure is expected to rise as a result of the growth of the gaming, coding and design industries.

Gateshead College and its software development students showcased their dedication to addressing the skills gap by introducing skills to primary school children in a bid to encourage their interest in IT.

With the support of industry experts, the college students led a variety of workshop activities and challenges on programming and robotics. The school children then put their new-found knowledge to the test by taking part in an augmented reality quiz.

The event was used as a warm up for a series of ‘community coding clubs’ that will be run by volunteer students alongside industry experts in the New Year. It also cemented Gateshead College’s deep-rooted partnership with local schools and industry, including virtual reality experts from Vector 76 and Bede Gaming, a software supplier to the online gaming sector.

These partnerships have given dozens of students learning opportunities that have paved the way to a successful career in the IT industry.

Joanne Mills, lead practitioner for IT and Business at Gateshead College, said: “The students really excelled themselves in delivering such a great event. They made the sessions fun and interactive and encouraged the children to view computing as a viable and enjoyable career option.

“It is vital that steps are taken to combat the IT skills shortage and some of these children will hopefully go on to forge a successful career in the industry.

“Problem solving is a fantastic way of introducing young people to the exciting world of coding and software and showing them the amazing things that can be achieved with technology.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Judith Doyle .