Code for success – the digital enterprise training a new generation

A technological revolution is under way in Shetland, and Lerwick-based software company Mesomorphic Ltd is at the forefront.

It is said that only half a per cent of the world’s population knows how to code. And lists abound online claiming to rank the top 10 leading countries for computer programming – in many the United Kingdom is conspicuous by its absence.

However, Mesomorphic, which recently won The Open University in Scotland’s SME Enterprise of the Year award at the Scottish Council for Development, are hoping to put Shetland on the map for its digital economy.

Through its Silicon Croft model, the company aims to provide digital skills to young people and training for those who display an interest in pursuing a career in software development.

This begins with primary and secondary schools, with Mesomorphic Ltd running “CodeClubs” that encourage an interest in coding at a young age, as well as developing analytical, planning and critical thinking skills.

Mesomorphic also helps educate teachers and librarians, to ensure they pass these skills down to students.

Managing director Maria Bell believes “Shetland is one of the best places in the world to build a digital economy” hence why it’s “important that the opportunities get embedded into the curriculum.”

She stressed that “it’s not just necessarily for school students” adding that the learning journey ranges from “primary all the way up through higher and further education”.

It is crucial, she said, that school pupils and those who are leaving formal education get “the chance to explore different the opportunities there are in digital careers”.

Ms Bell added they are willing to “share methods with other industries to create their own pipelines as well” and currently have “several national and local stakeholders that are listed, working alongside us.”

It may surprise some to learn that Shetland is forging ahead in such a high-tech sector. But for Mesomorphic’s technical director Barnaby Mercer the isles are a natural location.

He says the capability within Shetland is “very high” but they are working to “bring the quantity up” emphasising Mesomorphic Ltd have “so many projects, opportunities and ideas to implement.”

Barnaby, who has been coding professionally for over two decades, says he would consider success as “increasing the quality of graduate” and asking: “Are other software companies in Shetland experiencing an uplift in their local skillsets?”

If that benchmark of success is used – and replicated – it could have a huge impact across the whole Shetland economy.

Maria certainly thinks so. She believes developing digital skills will “help increase employability”.

The system that Mesomorphic has implemented is still being developed but the objective is clear.

By the time young enthusiasts get to the “work experience stage” they will already be aware of the “different concepts that are needed around our industry and also further in other digital industries as well”.

You could say that is code for success.

Shetland is brimming with untapped potential, innovative people and many commercial opportunties – making the islands a superb place to invest.