Having the skills to create websites and apps, solve complex problems and therefore have a world of tech and digital employment possibilities at your fingertips in the wonderful South West is a wonderful thing.
And, if you’re lucky enough to have those skills, what can be an even better use of these is to inspire young people, empowering the next generation to pour their energy into future innovations?
“You don’t need to be an expert… just bring a sense of fun and adventure”
Sound like something you’d be interested in? Then there are some exciting new opportunities opening up at a new series of Code Club – a nationwide network of volunteers and educators who run free coding clubs for young people aged 9 – 13 – in the South West.
DigiLocal, which supports local communities to run tech clubs for their young people, in partnership with South Gloucestershire libraries, is looking for those with an enthusiasm for computers and working with young people aged 6-12 to help volunteer to run the clubs.
Inspiring the next generation: children from Code Club on a trip
to Bristol’s the Watershed
The volunteers’ main role will be to help teach basic Scratch, Python, or HTML to the children with training and resources provided by Code Club – transferring their own enthusiasm and knowledge for the subject whilst gaining valuable skills in the process.
It’s not all about sitting in a classroom though, recently 8 Bristol-based code clubs visited creative hub the Watershed to demonstrate their digital skills and their visions of life in the year 2030. Code Clubs have also previously visited tech hub Engine Shed where some of business incubator SETsquared‘s top tech startups demoed their real-world innovative exploits.
If you’re interested in getting involved but are not sure you have enough experience, John Bradford of DigiLocal adds a spot of reassurance: “You don’t need to be an expert as we have training and resources available, just bring a sense of fun and adventure.”
To find out more or to express your interest in volunteering at one the new South Gloucestershire library Code Clubs, contact John Bradford at john.bradford@hbb.org.uk.

Shona Wright
Shona covers all things editorial at TechSPARK. She publishes news articles, interviews and features about our fantastic tech and digital ecosystem, working with startups and scaleups to spread the word about the cool things they're up to.
She also oversees TechSPARK's social media, sharing the latest updates on everything from investment news to green tech meetups and inspirational stories.