CHESTER MP Chris Matheson has officially opened digital training specialist Code Nation's new coding academy in the city.

The new campus, located at Vivio HQ in Boughton, aims to make a huge impact on addressing the digital skills shortage in Chester and throughout the UK.

Over 100 students have already passed through the new Code Nation site with hundreds more to follow throughout the year. The opening of its second campus comes after the announcement of a partnership and significant investment from Chester-based business, Vivio, an award-winning independent business telecoms and IT service provider.

Mr Matheson showed his support for the new business by officially opening Code Nation’s Chester campus, where he met staff, students and guests.

As part of Vivio’s commitment to developing its digital expertise, and in addition to its investment, Vivio has begun offering a scholarship scheme with Code Nation for students on a range of courses to kickstart their careers in the digital sector.

In addition to this, Code Nation’s flagship school, Spring Gardens in Manchester city centre, recently made the move into a larger space, providing four classrooms and extensive break out areas, thanks to Vivio’s investment.

At Code Nation, 89 per cent of students who enrol on one of its courses have never coded before and over 90 per cent are employed on completing the boot camp.

David Muir, founder and chair of Code Nation, said: “Through our partners at Vivio, we have been able to secure a great space in the heart of Chester, giving students and employers access to the very best digital skills.

“We are pinpointing key areas for growth throughout the UK and Chester came out on top in a recent IPPR report highlighting key areas of demand for tech outside of London. So, where better to set up our next campus?”

Code Nation Chester provides a range of innovative training courses including the Master course, made up of 10 weeks of education and a two-week project, as well as a range of different length courses and apprenticeships, with bursaries and scholarships also available.

The firm also encourages and helps students to improve their team work, as well as communication and general business skills, instilling the importance of simple things like mindfulness and the importance of nutrition.

  • For more information on Code Nation, visit wearecodenation.com.