Today Digital Jersey launches its first technical digital skills development programme, to help address the critical skills shortage in the island. The Coding Programme is an innovative and interactive course that directly responds to the needs of the digital industry for skills and new hires, while preparing participants for work in the digital sector.
The 6 month course starts on July the 21st, with 14 students who have demonstrated both passion and commitment to train in this demanding area. To gain a place on the course candidates passed an interview process that emphasized the need for the right aptitude and attitude. With no previous technical digital experience required, the students come from a wide range of backgrounds, with ages, spanning 19-42.
After successful completion, students will have the technical knowledge and skills the industry requires. Additionally, they will leave the course with industry connections and experience, as well as acquiring a portfolio of relevant and demonstrable work, allowing them to be significantly more employable.
Senator Alan Maclean will launch the Coding Programme on the opening day, meeting all of the students and the mentors from industry who are supporting the programme. A key element of the programme is that each student will be appointed a mentor, who will assist in their development and help prepare them for a job in the sector.
Paul Masterton, Executive Chairman of Digital Jersey, commented:
“This is the first major skills training initiative from Digital Jersey and a first step towards addressing the technical digital skills shortage in Jersey. This first course looks at the need for coders and we will shortly announce courses in other key areas for new recruits entering the digital sector including Database Administration, Project Management for Digital Trainees, operating systems for mobile platforms (APS) and Digital Literacy for Hospitality and Retail businesses.
The most important aspect for these programmes is to work closely with industry so that we are developing the skills that are most needed by businesses to grow and remain competitive”.
