Schools across Wales are to get a share of £1.3 million in a bid to boost pupils’ computer coding skills.
At the heart of every modern device – computer, tablet, smartphone – and all of their programmes and apps, is code.
Computer code is a set of rules or instructions that makes it possible to create computer software.
The money will be used to expand the number of ‘coding clubs’ in schools.
Wales’ Education Secretary Kirsty Williams said: “Code is part of almost everyone’s lives.
“When we check out social media, access an app or computer we are using systems created through code. It is an essential building block of our modern world and I want to make sure as many of our young people have knowledge of it as they develop their digital skills.
“Through this £1.3m of new investment we are aiming to expand the number of Code Clubs in every area of Wales for learners aged three to 16 so that they can develop their skills which will be a vital part of thriving in our increasingly digital economy.
“We will work with teachers, the education consortia and others to help us crack the code for all our pupils.”
The new scheme by the Welsh Government aims to address the gap in coding skills currently available.
There are currently around 1.5 million jobs in the digital sector in the UK, 400,000 of which involve coding. It is estimated that there will be 100,000 new coding jobs by 2020.
Maria Quevedo, Director of Code Club UK, which runs around 10,000 coding clubs across ten countries, said: “We’re excited to be working with the Welsh Government to give more children and young people across Wales the opportunity to attend a Code Club, and to learn about computing and digital making.
“Code Clubs are a fun and engaging way to help the next generation develop these essential skills, so they are capable of understanding our increasingly digital world and be equipped for the jobs of the future.”