The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has launched a series of events, as part of its Coding the Future initiative, aimed at inspiring and nurturing the next generation of UK coders. The events have been developed in conjunction with a number of UK-based leading technology organisations
The drop-in events are part of the BBC’s Make It Digital campaign – which launched today and will involve one million BBC micro:bit coding devices being given to every child in year 7 or equivalent across the UK to encourage and nurture their interest in coding.
The BBC micro:bit device was developed by the BBC in the face of a critical skills shortage in the UK technology sector. By working with the IET as one of its BBC micro:bit champions, the BBC hopes to create a new generation of coders, engineers and technologists to fill future skills requirements.
The Coding the Future events will be giving children and their parents the opportunity to explore their own BBC micro:bit in more depth. The events will also offer practical hints and tips needed to get the best results from their device – whether it be developing code for their very own games, or learning how to overcome tricky error codes.
In addition, IET experts will be on hand at the Coding the Future events to give children and their parents information about the exciting career opportunities available in the UK’s coding, technology and engineering sectors.
Alison Carr, Policy Director of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, said: “The digital world is evolving all the time – and with it, the demand for more young people with coding and digital skills. It’s great to be supporting BBC Make it Digital to promote the world of digital creativity through coding and inspire the next generation to get involved.
“Our collaboration with organisations such as Intel and Thales to develop the Coding the Future event will give children and their parents some great insight and hands on experience about what it’s like to be a coder – developing the code needed for the everyday computer processes we often take for granted.
“Experts from the IET will be on hand at all of these events to give the answers to any of the burning questions parents or their children have about careers in the coding, technology or engineering sectors.”
To find out more visit the IET Faraday web page.
