More than 100,000 of the UK’s students and recent graduates are set to receive digital skills training in the next five years as part a new tech academy which launches today.
Bright Network, a career-oriented network of university students and graduates, has launched its Technology Academy to provide a free digital skills training programme for UK undergraduates and graduates.
The academy will offer free software training, including coding languages such as Python3.
Over the next five years it is planned that 1,000s of graduates will enrol in the instructor-led 12-week Full Stack Web Development boot camp, with the option of securing a no-obligation 3-month placement at a top company, and potentially, a permanent role.
Research published alongside the announcement suggests three quarters (72%) of students feel they do not have the required digital skills for the world of work.
The Bright Network research also finds a further three quarters (71%) of the UK’s Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (STEM) graduates are hopeful of securing a job in the UK’s £184bn tech sector.
James Uffindell, Founder & CEO of Bright Network, said: “Given the uncertainty facing the UK’s economy, it’s more important than ever that we ensure our graduates are as work-ready as possible, and that we’re supporting employers by ensuring a sufficient supply of bright, skilled graduates to drive the next phase of growth for the UK’s tech ecosystem.”
Other research from the study shows STEM graduates are most likely searching for training on new coding languages (46%) in order to boost their chances of securing a role in the tech sector, while a quarter (24%) are seeking a deep understanding of how to use data analytics tools such as Tableau and SQL.
The insights come following recent research by Bright Network’s Talent Tracker, that found COVID-19 has continued to hamper graduate expectations about career prospects, with 65% of all graduates not confident about securing a graduate role, and 85% feeling more under pressure over their career search due to uncertainty caused by the pandemic.