The week-long event aims to offer adults an insight into digital industries and give them an opportunity to learn how to write computer code.
Various events will be held throughout the week in major cities such as London, Bristol, Brighton, Manchester and Belfast, as well as more remote locations including Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. The key aims of National Coding Week are to: encourage adults of any age to learn an element of computer coding; encourage digital experts to share their skills and to collaborate, share, learn and have fun!
Companies from across the digital industry are organising events locally to share their skills, while the initiative has received support from government representatives in the UK and Wales. People can visit www.nationalcodingweek.com for more information on the week or show their support on Twitter at #NationalCodingWeek.
National Coding Week was founded by former Head teacher Richard Rolfe and young entrepreneur Jordan Love. The pair work together to train unemployed people, helping them to gain work in the digital sector. Their goal is to prove that anyone, irrespective of age and background can learn to write computer code.
With the EU predicting a skills shortage in the digital sector of up to 1.3million jobs by 2020, Jordan Love said: ‘There are lots of opportunities for young people like me to get involved in exciting careers such as web development, however there are great opportunities for older people too. We need to give people the confidence to learn new skills and offer the support and encouragement they need to take the first few steps.’
Graeme Miller, Chief Executive of National Coding Week sponsors, JT Group said: “As a telecoms company at the forefront of the digital revolution, it is critical for our business that we are able to employ skilled staff. We are supporting National Coding Week to raise awareness of the opportunities in this dynamic sector. This is about letting people know that coding can be for everyone and that there are employers like us who are keen to support and encourage digital learning and new entrants into this exciting industry.”
With women under represented in the tech industry Richard Rolfe welcomed the support of Coding Group Women who Code who will be running events in London and Belfast during the week.
‘Women Who Code UK is very proud to be a part of National Coding Week because we’re all about helping women excel in tech careers. Through a week like this, we can all work on showcasing amazing tech careers and prospects to girls and women all over the UK”, said Sheree Atcheson, Founder of Women Who Code.