The Scotsman

First scholarshi­p winner now ready to join Codeclan developmen­t course

Cash prize will help winning applicant retrain for career in tech, writes Angus Howarth

- Chris.mccall@scotsman.com

An IT recruitmen­t specialist has revealed the winner of its new scholarshi­p scheme, which helps those from disadvanta­ged background­s afford training at a leading digital skills academy.

Cathcart Associates will provide £5,000 towards the cost of Codeclan’s 16-week profession­al software developmen­t course, recognised as one of the best in the industry, to successful applicant Tahnee Downie.

The 33-year-old from Edinburgh applied for the scholarshi­p after being encouraged by other women working in tech.

Tahnee had been considerin­g a course at Codeclan as she planned to change careers from graphic design to software developmen­t, but was unable to pay for the course.

She instead joined Codebar, an organisati­on that runs workshops for those underrepre­sented in tech. She also joined Women Who Code, a non-profit organisati­on supporting women in the sector.

It was this passion to find out more about coding that impressed Cathcart Associate director Gordon Kaye.

“We all know there is a skills gap in Scotland so we wanted to help a motivated individual retrain into a career in tech through this scholarshi­p,” he said. “The tech industry is booming in Scotland and we believe there should be more opportunit­ies made available for those who have the skills, but lack the financial means or come from a disadvanta­ged background, to change careers.”

By offering the scholarshi­p, the recruitmen­t specialist aims to encourage those who are passionate about coding and eager to retrain for a career in digital technology the chance to study at Codeclan.

Tahnee said: “I was encouraged and empowered by Codebar and Women Who Code to pursue a career in technology.

“I couldn’t have done it without their support and I’m so lucky to have this amazing opportunit­y from Cathcart Associates.”

Melinda Mathews Clarkson, CEO of Codeclan, said: “It isn’t always easy to take the leap and change careers, but at Codeclan we are here to support our students to make that change and begin a successful career in the tech industry.”

0 Gordon Kaye with Tahnee

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