PwC Scotland has signed a partnership agreement with digital skills academy CodeClan which will help the firm to meet the increasing demand for skilled technology workers.

As PwC continues to put technology at the centre of its client offering, there is an increased demand for staff in areas such as coding, data analytics and cyber security. The agreement with CodeClan will see PwC engage with full-time students to discuss possible career opportunities with the firm, before they graduate.

CodeClan was established in Edinburgh in 2015 to help build a diverse and innovative future for Scotland’s digital industry. With a mission to “inspire, educate and promote the growth of technology”, it has since opened a second facility in Glasgow, which was expanded earlier in 2019 to accommodate continuing growth, including a new data course. A Highlands campus opened in May 2019, in Inverness city centre.

Through a broad spectrum of digital training courses ranging from single day tasters to intensive 16 week programmes,  CodeClan delivers a steady pipeline of talent, ready to meet shortages in skills and help grow Scotland’s digital economy.

With more than 100 staff in technology roles in Scotland, PwC’s focus on emerging technology is accelerating. The professional services firm is already working with clients on projects covering  drones, artificial intelligence and blockchain – in addition to rapidly growing cyber security, operational resilience and data businesses.

Scotland’s digital economy is worth £5.7bn, with more than 10,000 businesses employing 83,000 people. Research by Scottish Enterprise undertaken earlier in 2019 found that 63% of businesses in the digital sector increased turnover in the previous six months, while 47% boosted their profits, highlighting the growing demand for digital services across the country.

Claire Reid, Regional Leader for PwC in Scotland, commented:

“I’m delighted that PwC has become a partner with CodeClan. Technology is changing the way we live and work, and as digital services become a more essential aspect of PwC’s business, it is crucial that we recruit workers with the requisite skills. And with many CodeClan graduates gaining those skills, there are tangible benefits to this partnership.

“As a wider relationship, it will also bring huge value to us. CodeClan has similar values to PwC when it comes to mentoring and volunteering work, and there are a variety of outreach schemes that we will potentially be able to collaborate on.”

Tom Pulling, Data & Analytics Leader for PwC in Scotland added:

“Harnessing data effectively in order to drive value is one of the most important elements for success in the digital world. For PwC to be able to provide such services, we need the right people, and so it’s exciting to team up with CodeClan and meet the students on its recently launched 14 week Data Analysis course.”

Melinda Matthews-Clarkson, CodeClan CEO, said:

“While many people still see programming and data skills as confined to the ‘tech’ world, the reality is that every industry is now a digital industry. Every business needs to embrace digital transformation and realise that it requires an organisation-wide shift of culture and mindset.

“PwC is helping businesses across Scotland realise their digital future and embrace the rapid evolution of opportunities digital technology is creating. We’re delighted to welcome PwC on board as a CodeClan partner and we look forward to our graduates helping Scotland’s digital economy grow and thrive.”