Fife College is encouraging those looking for a new start to consider a career in the digital sector to fill the current skills gap in this area.

The growth of the digital industry in Scotland has continued throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, meaning that around 13,000 jobs are being created yearly in the sector. However, labour market statistics show that only 5,000 new recruits are being produced through further and higher education routes, or through modern apprenticeships.

According to Scotland IS, 75 per cent of employers are currently experiencing difficulties in recruiting qualified staff, despite the average wage sitting at £36,900 – 26 per cent higher than the Scottish average. The College is determined to help fill these new roles and is offering courses from introductory level to degree starting in August this year. They cover subjects such as games development, digital and web design, mobile applications development, cyber security and computer networking .

Stewart McDonald, the Faculty Director of Creative Industries at Fife College said:

“The technology industry in Scotland is forecast to be the fastest growing sector in Scotland in the next few years, but there’s currently an urgent skills gap. Tech companies are urgently looking for new staff but are finding a lack of qualified applicants, and Fife College wants to help address that. We’re offering a range of digital and computing courses that can help provide individuals with the skills they need to find a job in the sector. Given the growth we’ve seen in recent years, and the high salaries that are often on offer, it’s an exciting time to be working in the industry. It could be games development or coding, healthcare or tourism, but we believe the possibility of a digital career is open for everyone.”

Fife College has recently launched a new Digital, Computing and Cyber e-brochure. The e-brochure, which can be accessed here, includes more information about the growing demand for digital, computing and cyber skills as well as details about courses in this area which start at the College this August.

Information about the current state of the digital industry in Scotland is available in Scotland IS’s Technology Industry Survey: Scottish Technology Industry Survey – ScotlandIS