Lloyds Banking Group has unveiled the next stage of its plan to boost Scotland’s fintech workforce in the fastest-growing digital economy outside London.
As part of the launch of its new tech hub in Edinburgh in March 2019, Lloyds announced a recruitment drive to create a new 500-strong team tasked with helping transform the digital experience for Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Scottish Widows customers.
As part of the next stage in the development of the digital innovation centre, it has now joined forces with Fintech Scotland on the hunt for the country’s most exciting start-ups and young businesses for a new partnership.
The new incubator programme – Launch* – based out of the Edinburgh hub – will bring together start-ups and scale-ups to tackle the challenges of digital services and sustainability, with plans for its first industry showcase next year.
In addition to the tech hub’s team of software engineers and other digital roles which is more than 50% complete, – the first specialist mobile quality engineering team was created, adding an additional 16 roles to the tech-based talent pool in Scotland.
The Edinburgh hub was set up with the aim of transforming how the bank operates behind the scenes, creating new services and tools for customers, as well as enhancing Scotland’s thriving tech community.
Philip Grant, Chair of Lloyds Banking Group’s Scottish Executive Committee, said: “We’re putting lots of energy into shaping the financial services of the future to meet customers’ changing needs, and having cutting-edge fintech talent in action behind the scenes is key to keeping customers connected to their finances.
“We have just launched a pilot Scottish Widows mobile app to help reinvent saving for workplace pensions customers. Using digital features built by our engineers in our innovation labs, it will enable millions of people to start engaging with their pension in a similar way to their everyday banking by helping them see a clearer picture of their financial future.”
Nicola Anderson, Acting Chief Executive, Fintech Scotland, said: “Creating opportunities for collaboration across Scotland’s competitive tech scene will drive innovation as start-ups work together with established financial firms on how to trailblaze the industry’s future in partnership.
“The Launch innovation labs highlight Lloyds’ commitment to developing talent in fintech. It provides a boost in confidence for the industry and shows the power of collaboration for mutual benefit – we’re looking forward to seeing the results in next year’s industry showcase.”
The Group continues to be an active member of the wider technology scene in Scotland, hosting more than 5000 delegates at events and training sessions at its city centre hub last year as well as regular online webinars and courses.
At the start of the year – before the pandemic – it hosted more than 500 delegates at a number of events, including Queercode, the first LBGTQ+ coding meet up in Scotland. As well as working in partnership with Fintech Scotland and SQA-accredited digital skills academy CodeClan, the bank has also invested in providing training for colleagues who want to diversify into careers in technology.
It launched its own coding academy in 2018 which has now expanded from Edinburgh across the UK, as well as the WomenConnecTech network, to help provide opportunities and support to women looking to build careers in computer science. Graduates of the coding academy are now established software engineers working within the digital labs.
Napier responds to fears tech employers are missing out on huge talent pool
EDINBURGH Napier has received funding to help people with a range of conditions boost their career prospects by developing their skills in cybersecurity.
National skills agency Skills Development Scotland has provided grants totalling £150,000 to the University, Inverness College UHI, West Lothian College and Perth Autism Support for new education programmes.
The MASCOTS project, which follows a successful pilot programme, will see Edinburgh Napier’s School of Computing support neurodiverse learners as part of a drive to combat the global surge in cybersecurity threats.
Neurodivergence, where the brain functions, learns and processes information in different ways, includes Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
By offering supportive learning environments and industry mentorship, the University programme aims to nurture talent and equip neurodiverse learners with the skills to help satisfy the mounting demand for people who can identify and thwart the next generation of cyber criminals.
MASCOTS, which stands for Mentoring; Articulation; Supporting; Careers; Opportunities; Taster; and Sustainment, will provide real industry skills for 16 people recruited to the course through the Into Work charity.
The eight-day programme over four weeks in November and December will combine online and classroom teaching, followed by a careers event in January which will introduce the learners to employers.
The core Edinburgh Napier team are Professor Bill Buchanan, from the School of Computing, Basil Manoussos (The Cyber Academy Manager) and Matt Burdge (Business Development Manager).
Professor Buchanan said: “A more diverse and inclusive world allows every single person to achieve their full potential. We are all different and all wonderful in our own ways.
“Being different is good, and brings forth new ideas and new viewpoints. We spend too much of our lives trying to be normal, but there’s really no such thing as normality.”
Basil Manoussos added: “A core part of the work is the creation of a mentorship scheme.
“We aim to provide one-to-one support, and focus those with neurodiverse conditions on understanding how they can match themselves to the jobs market, and on developing their career, and we are keen for those in industry to come and help support our candidates.”
Matt highlighted the need for a strong industry network.
He said: “Edinburgh Napier is a leader in cybersecurity education with NCSC (National Cybersecurity Centre) certification for both its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and is developing a network throughout Scotland and beyond to ensure all learners have a suitable pathway to education and future careers in the industry.”
Claire Gillespie, Digital Technologies Skills Manager at Skills Development Scotland, concluded: “With more than 13,000 job opportunities waiting to be filled in the tech sector, we need to look at as many different ways as possible to plug that skills gap.
“By ensuring neurodivergent people are given all the support they can get in education, which this funding aims to achieve, we will be able to help them as individuals while also building cybersecurity capacity in the tech talent pipeline.”
A new development programme will aim to remove barriers that can be faced by minority ethnic people moving into leadership positions in society.
Up to 50 people will benefit from a nine-month professional and personal development programme backed by mentoring, and living wage placements across the public, third and private sectors.
The programme will focus on young people, and will be delivered by the John Smith Centre, backed up by £470,000 of Scottish Government funding. The programme will focus on developing the professional and personal skills of participants, including negotiating and communication.
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government is committed to achieving equality for all minority ethnic people and part of that means taking tangible steps to remove barriers and improve opportunities across society.
“Improving representation across all walks of life is key to achieving this aim and I am pleased that the John Smith Centre will deliver this important programme. The programme will provide up to 50 people with a fantastic opportunity to develop the skills they need to succeed.
“The programme will be developed and delivered in consultation with relevant organisations and people to ensure that we are learning from lived experience.
“I want to see talented participants from all walks of life taking part, including those who haven’t taken traditional academic routes to success. I hope the result will be an increase in numbers of minority ethnic people in leadership roles that reflect the society we live in.”
Director of the John Smith Centre Kezia Dugdale said: “The John Smith Centre exists to break down the barriers disadvantaged groups face accessing public life. We listened carefully to the call for action emanating from the Black Lives Matter movement and reflected hard on what we could do that would make a meaningful difference.
“We have a strong track record in supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds develop the confidence, the networks and the experience they need to break through the challenges they face. We are therefore extremely proud to now be collaborating with the Scottish Government to increase the scale of this work with a particular focus on minority ethnic young people.
“At every stage of this programme we’ll listen to, learn from and involve people with lived experience of the barriers that minority ethnic communities face, and combine it with our experience of what makes a real difference and delivers long term change.”
Features of the Minority Ethnic Emerging Leaders Academy are expected to include:
A residential development weekend focused on developing employability skills such presentation, negotiating and communication skills and networking/social events to build early cohesion in the group in order to establish a peer support network.
Internship with an MSP or Non-Government Organisation over the course of the nine month placement.
Employability events at the University of Glasgow with high level politicians and public service practitioners.
Programme management by experienced providers of high-quality development opportunities. Developed by the John Smith Centre with extensive involvement of the minority ethnic community in all aspects of the programme.
According to teen magazine Future-Mag, more than half (54 per cent) of graduates say they’d think again about choosing university as the best way to find a job.
If you don’t fancy another three years of study, can’t face the debt, or didn’t get the results you were expecting, don’t worry. There are plenty of routes into careers that that don’t require you to have a degree.
These new opportunities are partly thanks to a rise in apprenticeships since the government has invested more in professional training.
Here’s a line-up of some top jobs you can do without a degree:
1.Nurse
The Lowdown
If you’ve been thinking of becoming a nurse but don’t want to go to university full-time this could be for you. The government has just announced a massive £172m investment into nursing, the money is to allow healthcare employers to take on up to 2,000 nursing degree apprentices every year over the next four years.
Getting There
Nursing apprenticeships offer an alternative to full-time university courses, allowing people to earn a salary while their tuition costs are paid. At the end of the apprenticeship – which usually takes four years – apprentices are able to qualify as fully registered nurses.
You’ll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship. Pay: £24,907 to £37,890
2.Air Traffic Controller
The lowdown
24 hours a day, they help to keep some of the busiest airspace in the world moving. The work is challenging and demanding, but it’s immensely rewarding too. Air traffic controllers give information and advice to airline pilots to help them take off and land safely and on time.
Getting There
You have to be over 18 and have at least five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade 4 or above (previously A-C) or Scottish Nationals 5 Grade A-C or equivalent, including English and maths.As well as having a good level of physical and mental fitness, you must satisfy the basic medical requirements set down by the Civil Aviation Authority.
The National Air Traffic Control Service (NATS) has developed a series of games to help gauge whether you’re right for this career. Pay: £17,000 to £50,000
3Solicitor
The lowdown It’s not quite ‘Better Ask Saul’… in reality Solicitors advise clients about the law and act on their behalf in legal matters, and can specialise in a host of areas, including contract, criminal, commercial and family law, and much more.
Getting there
You can now become a solicitor by training on the job since new solicitor apprenticeships (level 7) which were approved in 2015. This isn’t an easy route – you’ll need to pass a series of tough exams. You’ll need good A levels and it can take five to six years to complete. Pay £25,000 to £100,000
4 Visual Effects Artist
The lowdown
They help artists produce all the whizzy visual effects (VFX). They assist senior VFX artists and prepare the elements required for the final shots. Eventually they’ll be employed by post production companies working on commercials, television series and feature films.
Getting there
You could do a practical short course at London’s MetFilm School (Ealing Studios) and try to get into the industry that way, or do an apprenticeship via Next Gen
Pay from £18,000to £50,000once qualified
5 Computer forensic analyst(cyber security)
What do they do?
Investigate and thwart cyber crime. They might work for the police or security services, or for computer security specialists and in house teams. They’ll follow and analyse electronic data, ultimately to help uncover cyber crime such as commercial espionage, theft, fraud or terrorism.
Getting there
Cyber security professionals are in high demand in both the public and private sector in the wake of high level breaches and perceived terrorism threats. And there’s a severe shortage of qualified professionals. Cyber security higher apprenticeships (level 4) are offered by major infrastructure and energy companies and – excitingly – the security services. Pay £20,000 to £60,000
6 Estate Agent
The Lowdown An estate agent’s lot isn’t quite as chaotic as the comedy ‘Stath Lets Flats’, might lead you to believe, in reality, estate agents sell and rent out commercial and residential property, acting as negotiators between buyers and sellers.
Getting there Some estate agents offer an intermediate apprenticeship as a junior estate agent, or you may be able to start as a trainee sales negotiator and learn on the job.
Pay: Estate agents often work on commission which means that you have a basic salary and also earn a percentage of the sale or rental price of any property you sell or rent. £15,000to£40,000
7Police Officer
The lowdown This is another profession where the Government has pumped in large amounts of cash to help recruit new coppers. If you’ve been considering this as a career, now could be the right time to apply. Police officers keep law and order, investigate crime, and support crime prevention.
Getting there There is no formal educational requirement, for direct application but you will have to be physically fit and pass written tests. Or, you could start by doing a police constable degree apprenticeship. You’ll usually need: 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and college qualifications like A levels for a degree apprenticeship.
You can get a taste of what it’s like to work with the police by volunteering as a special constable.
Investigate and thwart cyber crime. They might work for the police or security services, or for computer security specialists and in house teams. They’ll follow and analyse electronic data, ultimately to help uncover cyber crime such as commercial espionage, theft, fraud or terrorism.
Getting there
Cyber security professionals are in high demand in both the public and private sector in the wake of high level breaches and perceived terrorism threats. And there’s a severe shortage of qualified professionals. Cyber security higher apprenticeships (level 4) are offered by major infrastructure and energy companies and – excitingly – the security services. Pay £20,000 to £60,000
9 Public Relations officer
The Lowdown Public relations (PR) officers manage an organisation’s public image and reputation. You migh get involved in planning PR campaigns, monitoring and reacting to the public and media, writing and editing press releases, speeches, newsletters, leaflets, brochures and websites, creating content on social media much more.
Getting there There is no set entry route to become a public relations officer but it may be useful to do a relevant subject at college, like a Foundation Certificate in Marketing. You can work towards this role by doing a public relations assistant higher apprenticeship.
Entry requirements You’ll usually need: 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship. Pay £18,000 to £90,000
10 Youthworker
What do they do?
Work with young people and help them develop personally and socially. They might work with local services, youth offending teams or voluntary organisations and community groups. They might help organise sports and other activities, or be involved on counselling and mentoring, or liaising with authorities.
Getting there
Many enter youth work as a volunteer or paid worker, but you can now qualify via a youth work apprenticeship. Pay £23,250 to £37,500
11Army officer
The Lowdown Undergo leadership training before choosing from a wide range of specialisms, including; platoon commander, helicopter pilot, intelligence, logistics… even work in military medicine and healthcare.
How do you get there?
You’ll typically need 5 GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) or above and 2 A levels. You’ll have to take aptitude and ability tests, pass a fitness test and interview before a more rigorous assessment to see if you’re capable mentally and physically. Pay £27,273 to £42,009.
Becoming socially mobile – moving into a higher professional or managerial job from a working-class background – doesn’t necessarily mean moving away from where you grew up, according to new research published by the Sutton Trust today.Continue reading London’s streets ARE paved with gold …
It’s here. The most depressing day of the year – Blue Monday lands on January 20th. Many people may be feeling fairly miserable around this time, thanks to the longer stretch between pay days, the lull after the festive period and getting back to the 9-5.Continue reading Blue Monday: time for a change?
Housing and Economy Convener, Councillor Kate Campbell, writes in yesterday’s Evening News about the potential to transform Granton Waterfront.Continue reading Waterfront: a sense of place
As well as Year of Young People events happening across the country, there’s loads of other ways 8 to 26 year olds can get involved in #YOYP2018
Here are some of the opportunities available right now:
100 Disrupters – If you are 26 or under and have a big idea that could change your community, then you should apply for this competition. The 100 winning applicants will be awarded £1000 to make their big idea reality. Your application must be entered by 30 April.
Write Here, Write Now – If you enjoy creative writing, you can apply to take part in the Young Writer’s Festival , it will give you the chance to improve your writing from help with professional writers and artists.
Existence: Life and BeyondThe Edinburgh International science festival is hosting an interactive exhibition about the origins of life.
Evolve Fest 2018 Arts, music, dance and film festival celebrating the year of young people 2018.
Events coming soon (ish!)
TEDxYouth Glasgow – You can be part of an inspirational day at SEC Armadillo on 31 May. The event will have young talented people from Scotland sharing their amazing ideas and you can attend to join in on the action.
Science in The Park – The Helix, Falkirk on 19 May. You will be able to explore exciting areas of science, technology, engineering and maths.
Diverse CiTay Festival – on 23 June, all over Perth there will be performances to amaze, with plenty of chances to join in with music, drama, art and sport.
YouthBeatz– Scotland’s largest FREE Youth Festival at Park Farm Showfield, Dumfries on Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July. Headline acts include Sigala, Jax Jones and Rudimental.
Bacon and Stuff – Internal creative chat where we get some bacon rolls and talk about ‘stuff’ – mainly sharing the latest work or sharing knowledge around digital media, there will also be a guest speaker and a workshop.
You can also check out Young Scot, for other ways to get involved:
My365 – Follow the hashtag #MyStory365 on Twitter and Instagram, like and share stories, or get in touch and tell your story!
Create 18 Events – You can get involved with events all over the country, from fashion shows to community Lego Build days, there’s something for everyone.
