In an effort to tackle the Scottish tech skills gap, ScotlandIS has announced a new partnership with tutoring organisation, Saturday School Ltd, to launch, The ScotlandIS Scholarship – a programme designed to empower young people to shape, change and drive Scotland’s digital economy.

The scholarship will support 12 ScotlandIS Scholars from Glasgow and The West in securing their National 5 Maths qualification. This support includes six weekly lessons in National 5 Maths at Saturday School in The Glasgow Academy, attendance at The National 5 Matsh Grade Booster Day to prepare for the final exam and unlimited online support from Saturday School’s fully qualified maths teachers.

Successful candidates will also get the opportunity to meet and learn from senior leaders in Scotland’s digital sector.

ScotlandIS Scholars who complete the programme will have the opportunity to be fast tracked into further education and will be offered a place on a relevant course at either Glasgow Clyde College or City of Glasgow College. Courses accessible through the scholarship include NCs, NQs and HNDs in a variety of topics ranging from cybersecurity and software engineering to esports and computer game design.

According to the most recent ScotlandIS Technology Industry Survey, 81% of Scottish tech businesses reported they’re likely to recruit university graduates in the next 12 months, as they seek to circumvent a technology skills gap that threatens to curtail the growth of the sector in Scotland.

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ScotlandIS CEO, Karen Meechan, said: “We hope, by giving the 12 ScotlandIS Scholars this opportunity, we’ll be supporting some of the industry’s future leaders to take their first steps towards a long and successful career.

“Helping to cultivate the next generation of Scottish tech talent is a key part of what ScotlandIS does and we look forward to working alongside Saturday School to deliver a positive and valuable experience for the young people selected.

“A shortage of skilled staff is regularly raised by our members as one of the biggest challenges they face. Unless we, as an industry, find a way of tackling the skills shortage then it will significantly restrict the growth of a sector crucial to Scotland’s economic prosperity. It’s vital the solution is forward thinking and long term so engaging with young people approaching the end of their schooling and considering what career options are open to them is a natural place to start.”