A new partnership agreement will help hundreds of students across Stirling to improve and develop their digital skills.

The Level:Up Schools Digital Challenge, which is run by CodeBase Stirling, has received the backing of broadband infrastructure firm CityFibre.

Now in its third year, the programme provides digital skills workshops to high school students across Stirling, where CityFibre is investing more than £10 million to deliver full-fibre connectivity through a strategic partnership with Vodafone.

This year, more than 1,000 secondary school students will attend the workshops, which are held between October and January.

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The workshops include practical sessions to help students develop their digital and business skills, as well as hearing inspiring talks from leaders and innovators in the technology sector.

Commenting on the partnership Janine Matheson, head of CodeBase Stirling, said: “The schools’ challenge is one of the highlights of our year. We love spreading our enthusiasm for tech and digital to the S1s right across Stirling.

“We created the school’s digital sessions as a way to inspire and support the next generation of hipsters, hustlers and hackers. Through interactive workshops, we’re increasing learning in programming and startup skills and exposing the students to the variety of digital and tech careers and the many ways to get there.

“It is important to CodeBase and the health of our industry that we address diversity and inclusion head-on, showing young people what’s possible and the confidence to get started. We’re delighted to be working with CityFibre on this year’s programme and really excited to see how this grows.”

Elaine Doherty, city manager for CityFibre, commented: “The digital revolution and a state-of-the-art full-fibre network has arrived in Stirling. Full fibre down every street will fundamentally change the way we work, play and live.

“For it to be used to its full advantage, it needs young people armed with the skills and knowledge needed to use it and realise the benefits it brings. Workshops offered by the likes of CodeBase are vital in teaching kids the skills they need and we’re proud to support them.”