Glasgow Code Learning
CASE STUDY
Glasgow Life’s Glasgow Code Learning (GCL) programme is a digital skills initiative delivered in partnership with Glasgow Clyde College and supported by Glasgow City Council and CGI. The programme provides accelerated learning pathways for careers in the digital technologies sector, targeting those facing barriers to conventional education and employment.
GCL offers a range of industry recognised, SQA accredited qualifications from the basic digital skills required for work, to courses in A.I. and Data Science, Software Development and Cyber Security. All courses are delivered flexibly and at no cost to the learner. Along with one-to-one mentoring and employability support, this ‘support for learning’ model has given GCL a proven track record in attracting those from minority groups.
In line with initial findings of Glasgow's Local Employability Partnership’s on-going review of the existing employability structure, a review of the city’s digital skills ecosystem carried out by Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life in 2023, also identified a need for improved employer engagement to bridge the gap between those emerging from provision and entering employment.
In response, GCL worked collaboratively with Jobs and Business Glasgow (JBG) to plan the pilot of paid internships based on JBG’s existing Transitional Employment Programme model. Through their networks, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce invited employers to express their interest in hosting an intern.
Max was one of the first participants to trial GCL’s new internship model having just completed the programme’s Cyber Security course at SCQF level 6.
Max received tailored support to help him on his path towards a career in software development.
Max had previously been working in the hospitality industry but after being made redundant, sought a more sustainable and fulfilling career. His interest in coding led him to applying for the GCL programme, encouraged by family members who had undertaken similar digital upskilling courses. The programme's flexible, part-time delivery model and supportive learning environment allowed Max to balance learning with other commitments seamlessly
Max said:
"I looked into a lot of opportunities, after working in hospitality for two years I knew it wasn’t really my thing. I couldn’t see a job like that sustaining me for life, so I was looking to get in to a new career...
It was a nine week course. I managed to get the work done on time, every time. I was also working while doing the course. I could take my time...
Having the teacher there was really good. I’ve done previous online courses and if you get stuck - I was having to do my own research and problem solving, which takes a lot more time. Having the tutor on hand was great to guide to simplify information. It made it a lot easier to learn."
Max was provided with a work placement at the end of the programme with Glasgow company STAR Refrigeration, giving him a direct route to professionally develop the skills he learned during the course.
Max said of his time during placement:
"I working on projects and getting stuck into different areas of the business, which was great. I could see what the day-to-day work was like. They got me in to meetings and I was able to contribute with knowledge I picked-up on the cyber security course... The placement has been very beneficial to my career path - what I am learning and doing is relevant to where I want to be in the future"
Upon completing his placement Max was offered an extended internship with STAR Refrigeration, which will see him gain further industry experience.
Glasgow Code Learning: Case Study
Glasgow Life’s Glasgow Code Learning (GCL) programme is a digital skills initiative delivered in partnership with Glasgow Clyde College and supported by Glasgow City Council and CGI. The programme provides accelerated learning pathways for careers in the digital technologies sector, targeting those facing barriers to conventional education and employment.
GCL offers a range of industry recognised, SQA accredited qualifications from the basic digital skills required for work, to courses in A.I. and Data Science, Software Development and Cyber Security. All courses are delivered flexibly and at no cost to the learner. Along with one-to-one mentoring and employability support, this ‘support for learning’ model has given GCL a proven track record in attracting those from minority groups.
In line with initial findings of Glasgow's Local Employability Partnership’s on-going review of the existing employability structure, a review of the city’s digital skills ecosystem carried out by Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life in 2023, also identified a need for improved employer engagement to bridge the gap between those emerging from provision and entering employment.
In response, GCL worked collaboratively with Jobs and Business Glasgow (JBG) to plan the pilot of paid internships based on JBG’s existing Transitional Employment Programme model. Through their networks, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce invited employers to express their interest in hosting an intern.
Max was one of the first participants to trial GCL’s new internship model having just completed the programme’s Cyber Security course at SCQF level 6.
Max received tailored support to help him on his path towards a career in software development.
Max had previously been working in the hospitality industry but after being made redundant, sought a more sustainable and fulfilling career. His interest in coding led him to applying for the GCL programme, encouraged by family members who had undertaken similar digital upskilling courses. The programme's flexible, part-time delivery model and supportive learning environment allowed Max to balance learning with other commitments seamlessly.
Max said:
"I looked into a lot of opportunities, after working in hospitality for two years I knew it wasn’t really my thing. I couldn’t see a job like that sustaining me for life, so I was looking to get in to a new career...
It was a nine week course. I managed to get the work done on time, every time. I was also working while doing the course. I could take my time...
Having the teacher there was really good. I’ve done previous online courses and if you get stuck - I was having to do my own research and problem solving, which takes a lot more time. Having the tutor on hand was great to guide to simplify information. It made it a lot easier to learn."
Max was provided with a work placement at the end of the programme with Glasgow company STAR Refrigeration, giving him a direct route to professionally develop the skills he learned during the course.
Max said of his time during placement:
"I working on projects and getting stuck into different areas of the business, which was great. I could see what the day-to-day work was like. They got me in to meetings and I was able to contribute with knowledge I picked-up on the cyber security course... The placement has been very beneficial to my career path - what I am learning and doing is relevant to where I want to be in the future"
Upon completing his placement Max was offered an extended internship with STAR Refrigeration, which will see him gain further industry experience.