Plans have been unveiled for a new £20m Institute of Coding to create the next generation of digital specialists and tackle the UK’s digital skills gap.
The institute will be made up of a consortium of more than 60 universities, industry experts and businesses, including IBM, Cisco, BT and Microsoft.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum 2018 in Davos, Prime Minister Theresa May said the Institute of Coding will equip people of all ages with the skills they need.
The 25 universities involved, led by the University of Bath, range from sector leaders in business and computer science (UCL and Newcastle University) to experts in arts and design (University of the Arts) to specialists in widening participation and outreach (Open University and Birkbeck, University of London).
Universities minister Sam Gyimah said: “A world-class pipeline of digital skills are essential to the UK’s ability to shape our future. By working together, universities, employers and industry leaders can help graduates build the right skills, in fields from cybersecurity to artificial intelligence to industrial design.The Institute of Coding will play a central role in this.
“Employers will have a tangible input to the curriculum, working hand-in-hand with universities to develop specialist skills in areas where they are needed most. As we have outlined in the Industrial Strategy, this is part of our ambition to embrace technological change and give us a more competitive edge in the future.”
Dr Rachid Hourizi, director of the Institute of Coding, added: “The strength of the Institute of Coding lies in the fact that it brings together educators, employers and outreach groups to co-develop digital skills education at undergraduate and masters level for learners in universities, at work and in previously under-supported groups across the country.
“In addition, we’ll work with our partners to target underrepresented talent through outreach activities, tailored and inclusive curricula, flexible delivery and removal of barriers to working in the industry.”