Digital Tech Businesses in Cornwall are calling for more local people to consider a career in Software Engineering in the county.
Digital Tech businesses in the county have grown by 153% (Tech Nation 2016) and further growth is projected for the forseeable future. Over the past 12 months members of Software Cornwall have advertised over 40 job opportunities through the network. To sustain this growth businesses need to recruit talented developers and tech professionals.
Software Cornwall, a membership of local tech businesses have worked with Cornwall College and Plymouth University to create apprentice and degree pathways to encourage more local talent to the sector.
The introduction of Computer Science at GCSE level is welcome news to the cluster who have been working with secondary schools in Cornwall to support teachers delivering the new curriculum. Code missions are being run during school holidays with week long events where students work on a project such as robotics for Mars Missions and sensor technology at the Eden Project. The network are also collaborating to run a Schools Work Experience week for year 10 and 12 students on 4-8th July at Bluefruit Software in Redruth.
The network is working on creating links with Truro Penwith and Falmouth University to help raise awareness of the wide array of courses and topics available accross Cornwall to gain the skills needed to work in the tech sector.
Digital Engineering Course details are available on the www.softwarecornwall.org website including, Embedded Software Development, Games Development and Web Development pathways.
College Students and Graduates currently studying can register for a free placement at the Agile Summer Academy, a two week placement where students will deliver an agile software solution and have the opportunity to meet local employers.
To help find out more about careers in Digital Tech in the county Software Cornwall are running monthly tech jams, where all ages and levels of experience are welcome to explore the latest tech and work on projects including robotics and coding.
Coined as the new 21st Century engineering revolution emerging in Cornwall. With an average salary of £34,000 in Cornwall, software and digital technology are set to provide the employment opportunities needed in Cornish communities.
Find out more and join the community at www.softwarecornwall.org