Tech employers are being encouraged to bring their industry to life for young people through an innovative series of live lessons being delivered in Scotland’s schools.
Tech Industry in the Classroom sees employers from across the digital sector using their industry experience to offer pupils an insight into their day-to-day work.
Employers such as energy firm SSE are making use of the resources, recently delivering a live lesson with Johnstone High School in Renfrewshire focusing on data security.
Tech employers also have the opportunity to join training sessions explaining the support available for taking part in live lessons, including a best practice guide to virtual engagement, and to make use of a new online toolkit offering further support.
Mark Logan, author of the Scottish Tech Ecoystem Review, is amongst those encouraging employers to take part.
He said: “Partnerships between school and industry are essential if we are going to strengthen the talent pipeline.
“Engaging schools in this way provides young people with a richer idea of what a career in tech could offer them. It brings the curriculum to life and shows the real-world applications of what is taught in the classroom.
“I’d ask tech employers of all types to consider how they could play their part in attracting the next generation of talent.”
SSE’s live lesson with Johnstone High School focused on the role data security plays in tackling climate change, with the lesson aligned to the National Progression Award (NPA) in Cyber Security.
Michael Wallis, SSEplc Group Chief Information Officer, said: “The biggest challenge facing us all is the climate emergency and it is the young people of today whose future is really being threatened by this.
“At SSE we are reimagining the world of energy so we can protect their future and the planet. That’s why I am proud of our support for the Scottish Careers Week where we can share our vision with those who want to join us on our journey to net zero.
“Emerging digital technologies, artificial intelligence and cyber security sit at the heart of our response to climate change.”
Employers can also make use of the Tech Industry in Schools toolkit which aims to make it as easy possible for the tech industry to sign up to the myriad of education-related programmes available.
Claire Gillespie, Digital Technology Skills Industry Manager at Skills Development Scotland (SDS) added: “The success of our pilot programme of live lessons showed this concept has a great deal to offer. It gives young people a genuine insight into the tech sector and helps employers engage with potential new talent.
“As the adoption of new technologies continues to accelerate, it’s hugely important that tech employers grasp the opportunity to show young people how digital skills can unlock an increasingly vast array of exciting new careers.”
