Member Article

Codez Academy continues quest to close digital skills gaps in Wales

Work to close the digital skills gap in Wales continues with the launch of a new programme designed to help adults of all capabilities equip themselves with the knowledge they need to succeed.

Codez Academy is introducing a new scheme to help reduce the barriers to entry for all those interested in working within the digital world after more than 2 million high-paying jobs were predicted to emerge from the UK tech sector within the next five years.

The Penarth-based coding school will run a three-month evening course for adults at its base in Tec Marina from October onwards to help improve students’ employability prospects and overall digital capabilities. The company also wants to help address 2015 figures which show just 27% of those employed in the UK’s digital industries are women, which is well below the UK average of 47%.

Codez Academy Managing Director, Dean Jenkins, said: “We are working to give our students the digital skills required to be able to reach these high-flying roles and ultimately grow the digital sector in Wales. In 2015 it was revealed that only 62% of adults have the five basic digital skills and are working to change that, one student at a time.

“Coding has become an essential qualification in an increasingly digital world and is now considered almost as important as traditional core subjects by employers. This course will provide a step-by-step guide to help students prepare for a new career or simply to develop in their current one.”

With no previous digital experience required, the scheme is designed to introduce basic coding concepts behind the creation of websites, apps, games and other digital platforms. By the end of the course, students are expected to have a solid understanding of all the basic aspects of web design and construction, having completed two tasks: a one-page website and a five-page website.

Launched in 2015, Codez Academy believes that everyone should have the opportunity to learn and develop computer and coding skills, transforming more consumers into creators, and exists as an organisation to ensure individuals have a solid foundation on which to grow in business, or to start a career in tech.

Dean added: “Ultimately, we want all of our learners to feel confident learning new skills and we will support them 100% the whole way through, to help them achieve whatever their aims might be.”

For more information about the courses and availability, visit the Codez Academy website: http://www.codezacademy.co.uk/adults-beginners-evening-course.html

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Codez Academy .