Tameside College computing students program their futures

Tim McKnight, software developer at Booking.com visited Tameside College recently to deliver a coding masterclass to computing students.

Tim spent a full day working with the students to develop their skills in widely used programming languages such as Javascript and VB.net.

The students were given a series of coding challenges to complete, using real life scenarios, and quizzed on their knowledge of the programming languages.

Tim also talked about his career at Booking.com and the essential skills needed to become a software developer.

The masterclass was delivered in partnership with Manchester Digital, an organisation promoting careers in coding as part of their ‘digital futures’ programme. This includes events and training sessions aimed at upskilling students before they leave further education, giving them an advantage in the industry.

Emma Grant, talent and skills manager at Manchester Digital, said:

“The digital futures programme is all about harnessing the talents of our members as a trade body organisation, to help young people get into the industry. Tim and the other experts are doing a fantastic job of showing students what’s possible for them and exactly how they can get there. I’m excited to see the results of the programme.”

Over the coming months, students will be working with experts from AutoTrader, the Department of Work and Pensions and Rental Cars to further develop their digital skillsets.

Paul Mather, teacher in computing at Tameside College, said:

“It’s brilliant for us as a college to welcome these experts with years of industry experience to train our students. Manchester Digital has access to a lot of resources and talent which means when our students leave us, they will have a lot of skills other students could only dream of.”

To find out more about computing courses at Tameside College, call 0161 908 6600.