Be-IT Resourcing is supporting the CodeClan project, which is backed by ScotlandIS, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

The capital-based academy was created to train the next generation of software developers.

Gareth Biggerstaff, managing director of Be-IT Resourcing, explained: “Our scholarship is designed to support an economically disadvantaged student studying coding as Scotland addresses the skills shortage in this sector of the economy.

“As recruiters, we have daily experience of the very real problems businesses face in sourcing IT talent.

“By covering the fees for someone who can’t afford them we are doing our bit, however small, to nurture the skilled computing professionals the country desperately needs.”

ScotlandIS has already launched a similar scholarship, noting: “The shortage of skilled professionals threatens to halt the growth of the industry and we are confident that practical solutions such as CodeClan will address this skills shortage and help the industry to flourish and drive forward the economy.”

Mr Biggerstaff added: “I couldn’t agree more with the views of ScotlandIS , which is why Be-IT Resourcing is delighted to announce this new scholarship, the first by a recruitment company in Scotland, for an economically disadvantaged student to study coding at CodeClan in Edinburgh.

“As recruiters, Be-IT Resourcing have direct, daily experience of the very real problems businesses face in sourcing IT talent. Moreover, as recruiters we feel it’s important that we are not just passive in the face of the market, but that we too should have some input and ‘give something back’.

“CodeClan is largely aimed at helping those with an aptitude for coding but who currently can’t get, or don’t know how to get, a route into the industry.”

Rab Campbell, employer engagement director with CodeClan, welcomed the private sector initiative, saying: “It is enormously encouraging that Gareth and his team at Be-IT are providing this scholarship.

“It marks them out as a progressive organisation, one committed to the industry and to Scotland, and one prepared to provide real, practical, support to ensure we get the best talent available into our industry.”
Scholarship applications should be sent to  explaining in up to 500 words why you want to join the CodeClan academy. A shortlist will be drawn up for face to face interviews.