Helping to close the UK digital skills gap

At the start of January 2019, the IoC had enrolled 5,000 learners onto 35 IoC-created courses. Twelve months later, a further 27,000 learners have enrolled onto more than 100 IoC-created courses and events. These courses and events span across many of their 30+ university partners and have been created with input from industry, so learners can be sure they are getting the skills employers want.

In total, the IoC currently has almost 200 high-quality digital skills courses available on its course catalogue, forming an accessible collection of courses in one place.

The new figures are a testament to the growing success of the IoC’s courses and suggest that an increasing number of learners want to develop new digital skills. Many of the courses are delivered in flexible formats, including part-time and online, allowing learners to study while balancing work and family commitments.

The IoC’s 2019 highlights include a suite of ten courses developed at Newcastle University in partnership with the NHS and short online courses from Coventry University, such as an Introduction to Cryptography and the Basics of Network Security, which can be studied independently or used as building blocks towards an MSc in Cyber Security. The IoC has also successfully been launched in Wales with Swansea University and Cardiff University.

Looking ahead, the IoC’s partners are developing additional courses in long and short formats, so more people can find an education pathway to fit their interests and lifestyle. This forms part of the IoC’s commitment to creating opportunities for lifelong learning of digital skills and lasting diversity in the digital sector.

Sheila Flavell CBE, Chief Operating Officer at FDM Group and Chair of the Institute of Coding’s Industry Advisory Board, said: “The IoC’s success over the past two years is a reflection of a rapidly evolving economy and job market. Without government, education and industry intervention, we are at risk of falling behind in terms of technology, and leaving thousands of young people without the skills to lead the future of our businesses and industries.

“Fortunately, with the assistance of the IoC’s digital skills courses, more students and existing workers are being encouraged into digital careers, contributing immensely to our economy by helping to fill the UK’s digital skills gap.”