The programme is set to deliver training and skills development over an initial 8-week period, with the chance for interested trainees to then study for a full Code First Girls degree, and secure permanent roles with Royal Bank of Scotland.

Up to 60 women will be able to take advantage of these opportunities from March 22nd, with recruitment centres taking place at the Ukrainian Community Centre, Royal Terrace Edinburgh, as well as the Leith Ukrainian refugee accommodation aboard the MS Victoria cruise liner.

“As a bank we recognise that we have a unique opportunity to utilise our resources and influence real change to improve lives in Scotland,” said Wincie Wong, Head of Workforce Technical Capability, Digital X at Royal Bank of Scotland.

“Our latest partnership with Code First Girls allows us to continue our commitment to helping displaced Ukrainians and empowering women in their careers. Through the programme, we will provide bespoke coding and software engineering as well as opportunities to gain work experience and be supported into employment.

“We’re a relationship bank in a digital world and we recognise the need to continually attract and retain a talented and diverse technology workforce. Building Scotland’s coding and software engineering sector will be vital to reach our full potential as a nation and we can’t wait to see what our inaugural group will achieve”.

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Anna Brailsford, the CEO of Code First Girls, also commented on the recruitment drive, saying: “We are thrilled to partner with Royal Bank to offer this new opportunity for displaced Ukrainian women to learn new skills and embark on a career path in coding and software engineering.

“We believe that by empowering women in technology, we can help to build a more diverse and inclusive industry that is better equipped to meet the demands of today and innovate for the future.”

Previous to this programme, RBS partnered with Edinburgh City Council and the Scottish Government to open a Welcome Centre for displaced Ukrainians within their headquarters. The site has since distributed thousands of welcome packs, toothbrushes, books, and sanitary packs, among other essentials.

Meanwhile, as a social enterprise, Code First Girls has delivered £75 million worth of free technology education in the UK, and provided free education and employment opportunities for more than 110,000 women to help reduce the gender diversity gap in tech both across the UK and globally.