³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

Scotland's first digital skills academy has welcomed its first intake of students.

CodeClan aims to help tackle the current skills gap for software developers and boost Scotland's tech sector.

It was set up as part of a Scottish government-backed skills investment plan to drive forward ICT and digital technologies.

The initial intake of 15 students is due to graduate in January next year.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: "The digital and ICT sector is very important to Scotland. It contributes over £4bn GVA (gross value added) to the economy.

"Estimates show there are over 84,000 people working in digital or IT jobs across the economy as a whole and this number is rising fast.

"Scotland needs an estimated 11,000 new digital/ICT workers each year to meet current and future demand in the sector and we need to take urgent action to close this gap.

"We know this challenge will not disappear overnight, but CodeClan is a strong step in the right direction."

John McClelland, chairman of national training body Skills Development Scotland, said: "The launch of CodeClan is an exciting one for Scotland's vibrant digital sector and for the very first group of students to begin their training.

"Through the academy, they will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience and learn the skills required to work in a growing digital sector."