An alliance of UK universities and businesses has launched to nurture the next generation of digital talent “at degree level and above”.
The Institute of Coding (IoC) was set up to unite the tech industry with academics, with 25 academic institutions and 50 businesses currently involved.
The total amount of investment in the project is £40 million, with £20 million coming from the UK government.
The IoC will focus on boosting equality and diversity in the tech sector, as well as making courses available at apprenticeship, degree and short course levels.
“With UK business leaders crying out for employees with the latest IT skills, the IoC is already helping companies to develop the technical capabilities of workers across the country,” said Jacqueline de Rojas, president of Tech UK.
“Serving as a bridge between industry and academia, this organisation will enable companies to build workforces fit for the future, by offering opportunity to benefit from high quality learning to everyone.”
One of the IoC’s assignments will be to anticipate future skills gaps in the UK workforce, which will be done through research and analysis spearheaded by Dr Rachid Hourizi.
He said: “We believe every person, whatever their background, deserves the opportunity to improve their digital skillsets through flexible learning convenient to their needs, whether that be face-to-face or online, full or part-time and as a stand-alone activity or part of an existing job.
“The IoC has already established a network of 25 academic institutions and 60 businesses to deliver these programmes. We are working closely with our partners in industry to help equip new entrants and experienced professionals with the skills they need to thrive in the digital economy.”
The establishment of the IoC was sparked by a Tech Nation survey which revealed that 50 per cent of the UK’s digital tech businesses are facing a shortage of skilled employees.