ScotlandIS awards first CodeClan scholarship

Digital technologies trade body ScotlandIS has awarded its first scholarship to the CodeClan skills academy that launched in Edinburgh last month.

ScotlandIS chief executive Polly Purvis. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

The bursary, open to applicants who had not been to university nor worked in IT or software, was secured by freelance journalist and former television producer Michael MacLeod.

ScotlandIS chief executive Polly Purvis said: “We are very pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to Michael which means he can take up his place at CodeClan.

“With strong industry growth forecast for the coming year, there has been no better time to get involved in Scotland’s digital technologies industry than now. Initiatives like CodeClan provide an ideal ‘way in’ to those who want to be part of our vibrant digital technologies sector.”

MacLeod said: “I’m really looking forward to the intensive learning ahead. I see coding as a force for good and a means of vastly expanding my horizons after I graduate from the course.”

CodeClan, based in Edinburgh’s CodeBase technology incubator, runs a 16-week course covering programming and software development. It has a fresh intake of students every ten weeks, with the next closing date for applications in mid-January.

Chief executive Harvey Wheaton said: “We have seen a very high level of interest with applicants coming from a wide range of backgrounds. The first cohort is now well underway and we can’t wait to kick off the second wave in November.”