Teach the Nation to Code initiative seeks to address tech diversity and skills gap

Workshops hosted at Northumbria University were opened by Chi Onwurah MP who supports initiative that seeks to address tech diversity and the skills gap in Tyne and Wear

Teach the Nation to Code is a free coding workshop run by QA, worth £1,425 per delegate, aimed at career changers and graduates to inspire careers in tech and software development

Teach the Nation to Code is a free interactive workshop developed and delivered by industry experts from the UK’s leading IT and business learning provider, QA. Aimed at inspiring a new generation of coders and developers, the content of these sessions has been developed around the current UK digital skills shortages and is delivered in hands-on workshops that make it easy to learn technical skills regardless of students’ backgrounds.

The free courses run until April, and the Northumbria event will be the third in a programme being rolled out nationally:

Dates: 30-31 March; and 27-29 April

Times: 10am – 4pm

Chi Onwurah MP, Shadow Minister for Industrial Strategy and MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central, said:

“Educational investment targeting the skills gaps in the local, regional and national economy are vital to the UK industrial strategy and social mobility. These free teach the Nation to Code programmes are an excellent example of this.  As an electrical engineer myself I am keenly aware that the tech sector suffers from a lack of diversity and I applaud initiatives that are aimed at increasing the representation in tech women, minorities and those from less privileged backgrounds. These courses are a great opportunity for those that can’t afford to pay for coding training, and I urge all those interested in the sector to apply to attend. The tech sector is an area of massive economic growth and you may just discover a new fulfilling career path.”

Managing Director of QA Consulting, Stuart Martin, said:

“We are delighted that Chi Onwurah MP will be attending our Teach the Nation to Code event to promote tech careers and diversity within tech. The event is in partnership with Northumbria University and Institute of Coding where we will be running a series of workshops giving individuals the opportunity to learn Python, Java and JavaScript. 

It is crucial that we address the UK skills gap with the tech sector in particular needing to attract more women and diversity. Chi is an incredible inspiration as an electrical engineer and we look forward to her insights as the Shadow Minister for Industrial Strategy.”

Fellow MP, Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) will address attendees at the April session.