Tech professionals from Skyscanner are stepping into classrooms to tackle a sharp drop in computing teachers across Scotland. This new braided career scheme lets them keep their tech jobs while training to teach, aiming to inspire the next generation of coders and boost skills in schools.
The Braided Career Scheme Explained
A fresh initiative is bridging the gap between tech industry and education in Scotland. Four Skyscanner employees, including software engineer Orla Sonvico, are studying for a teaching diploma at Glasgow University while staying on full salary from their company.
This one-year program allows them to split time between tech work and school teaching after graduation. Participants work three days at Skyscanner and two days in classrooms, blending careers without a big pay cut.
The scheme comes at a key time, with computing teacher numbers down 25 percent from 2008 to 2023. It draws from successful models in other fields, where professionals share real-world skills to enrich learning.
Scotland faces a skills shortage in digital areas, and this project could help. Recent government reports show a push for more tech education, including partnerships with firms like Amazon and PwC to train teachers.
Why Tech Workers Are Making the Switch
Orla Sonvico, 26, always planned to teach after gaining industry experience. She joined Skyscanner this year, drawn by the chance to combine both worlds.
Many graduates pick tech jobs for better pay, leaving teaching short on talent. This scheme eases the shift, letting pros like Orla bring fresh insights to students.
Her own school experience with a strong female science teacher inspired her. Now, she wants to motivate girls in computing, where women make up just a small fraction of the field.
Other participants share similar goals. They see value in teaching skills like coding and problem-solving, which match industry needs.
This move aligns with broader trends. A 2022 program paired schools with tech firms to build digital skills, and recent funding of 1.3 million pounds aims to equip classrooms with better tools.
Impact on Scottish Education
The decline in computing teachers has hurt student outcomes. Fewer qualified educators mean less focus on key subjects like software development and data science.
This braided approach could reverse that trend. By 2025, Scotland aims to thrive in a digital world, as outlined in national strategies.
Schools benefit from real-world expertise. Teachers with industry backgrounds can make lessons more engaging and relevant.
Students gain too. Exposure to pros like those from Skyscanner might spark interest in tech careers, where demand is high.
Here are some key benefits of the scheme:
- Keeps experienced talent in tech while filling teaching gaps.
- Offers role models for underrepresented groups in computing.
- Boosts curriculum with current industry practices.
- Reduces the financial barrier for career changers.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Not every tech worker wants to teach, and the program is still a pilot. Scaling it up depends on more companies joining in.
Critics worry about workload balance, but early signs are positive. Participants like Orla report excitement about the dual roles.
Government support is growing. A 2021 digital strategy calls for enriched tech education, and new charters aim to revolutionize computing teaching.
Comparisons to other nations show promise. In places like Ireland, similar partnerships have increased STEM graduates.
Looking ahead, this could expand to other sectors. Experts predict more braided careers as work patterns evolve post-pandemic.
| Year | Computing Teachers in Scotland | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2,800 | Baseline |
| 2015 | 2,400 | -14% |
| 2023 | 2,100 | -25% from 2008 |
| 2025 (Projected) | 2,300 (with initiatives) | +10% potential |
Broader Implications for Tech and Teaching
This project ties into global shifts toward flexible careers. In Scotland, it addresses a teacher shortage amid rising tech job needs.
One in eight secondary pupils lacks strong computing access, per recent studies. Bringing in pros could change that.
It also promotes diversity. With more women and varied backgrounds in teaching, classrooms become more inclusive.
As digital skills become essential, schemes like this prepare youth for future jobs. Scotland’s tech sector, home to firms like Skyscanner, stands to gain from a skilled workforce.
What do you think about tech pros teaching in schools? Share your views in the comments and pass this story along to spark discussion.
