Glasgow Clyde College has introduced new tech courses and modules to help fill the UK’s “digital skill gap”.
Glasgow Clyde College has announced a digitally-driven prospectus to ensure students meet the requirements of the job market.
The updated offer includes eSports, cyber security, web development and data science, which college bosses say go beyond the “standard” IT modules.
The college is also planning to include tech aspects into each of its courses, through virtual learning environments or computer-aided programmes.
One of the new courses is NQ Computing and eSports course at Glasgow Clyde College, which develops skills and social media reach so gamers can grow their portfolio and gaming audience.
The Computing and IT aspect of the course prepares learners for progression to HND level courses within the College.
In the Cyber Security course students will learn the necessary skills to prevent cyber security attacks.
The HND in Web Development course teaches the most in-demand techniques and skills for the creation of mobile and web applications.
To improve access to digital equipment, college staff have also distributed thousands of laptops and internet dongles to students who need them most.
Jennifer Brickwood, assistant principal engineering, computing and built environment at Glasgow Clyde College said: “As the digital landscape continues to evolve, there is no doubt that, without action, the skills gap will grow.
“So, we see it as our duty, and the duty of the educational sector, to bring technology to the forefront of our students’ education to help bridge the digital divide.”
Recent Government data has shown that about one-in-five UK companies have a skills-based vacancy in the technology and digital skills areas.
In Scotland, the digital skills gap is costing businesses as much as £361m per year.