CodeClan announces its first scholarship winner

(Left to right) Sam Gregory, Rebecca Robertson, Vickie Henry, Adam Balfour, Bridgit Garvie, Joe Birchall at the launch of CodeClan. Picture: Chris Watt

Self-taught Iwona Sztorc, 32, left her job in business to learn how to code and start a new career in technology.

She has already built her own websites, including a site to document a charity cycle she and her partner took part in.

Excited about her win, Iwona Sztoc said: “I am thrilled to have won this scholarship, securing a place at CodeClan would have been a phenomenal achievement in itself but to win a scholarship is unbelievable. I am enormously excited to be starting at CodeClan and the limitless opportunities it will open up to me.”

At the launch of CodeClan. Picture: Chris Watt

CodeClan – whose doors will open for the first time this October – has teamed up with SIMUL8 Corporation, in the hopes that a scholarship will fuel the next generation of software developers and to tap in on those with an interest in digital technology.

Rebecca Heaney, Head of Student Recruitment for CodeClan, said: “We are delighted to award the SIMUL8 Scholarship to Iwona. She is exactly the sort of person that we want to attract into the industry. She has an energy and enthusiasm for digital that will fuel the extraordinary growth we are seeing in the sector.

“Scotland’s digital economy is thriving but the skills shortage is a real problem which threatens to put the brakes on future growth. CodeClan is part of the solution, producing a reliable stream of entry-level developers with excellent ‘soft’ skills who can hit the ground running and learn on the job.

“The SIMUL8 Scholarship is a great opportunity for an individual who has a passion for technology, but has no background in the industry, to kick-start an exciting and fast-paced career within the sector.”

As well as covering software development and programming, CodeClan also offers networking opportunities and a focus on interpersonal skills to prepare students for the business environment.

The new school is based on the success of the new breed of immersive academies around the world including Flatiron School in New York and Stackademy in Berlin.

CodeClan aim to produce 20 work-ready software developers after every 16-week course with the graduates helping to bridge the significant digital skills gap in Scotland. Forecasts suggest Scotland alone could offer up to 11,000 job opportunities a year in the digital sector, rising by 2000 every year.

Laura Reid, CEO at SIMUL8 Corporation, said: “The Scottish Government has recognised the importance of the digital sector for the Scottish Economy and is heavily investing in its growth. The tech sector needs to match this and we are committed to helping drive the long-term growth of Scotland with CodeClan. The SIMUL8 Scholarship also gives us a chance to support the next generation of developers and help give someone the opportunity to transform their career and join this amazing sector.”

Industry led, the academy’s curriculum has been tailored to fit real time market demands in Scotland and in working with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), will offer its graduates a ‘Professional Development Awards’ in Software Development.