Clubs form computer learning hubs for students

Founder Michael Trengrove launches Code Club Aotearoa in Tauranga. Phot / Supplied

Three new clubs are being set up for Tauranga's children to learn to programme computers, supported by a national network known as Code Club Aotearoa.

"These clubs solve the problem of no coding in New Zealand schools," said Code Club Aotearoa founder Michael Trengrove.

"In New Zealand it is socially-conscious corporates, local communities and parents who are driving the development of these skills, not local or national government, or indeed formal education institutions."

There is strong projected employment growth nationally in computer programming opportunities of around 4.8 per cent per year from 2013-18 and 4.3 per cent per year to 2023, according to Immigration New Zealand, which has focused on importing talent to fill the gap.

The first clubs were organised through a public meeting held earlier this month, which saw Tauranga City librarians offer their time and the libraries themselves as venues, and teachers, IT professionals and parent volunteers step forward to start the clubs next term.

Steven Vincent, co-founder of the Venture Centre, which is co-ordinating the initiative locally, said it was hoped the clubs would be the first of many throughout the Bay of Plenty.

"Teachers who understand that coding is an essential skill for the future have neither the curriculum nor the time to integrate it into their school's timetable," said Mr Vincent.

"What's more, IT specialists from corporates, tertiary institutions, freelancers and also later stage IT students want to practise and pass on their skills by helping other people learn. Code Club Aotearoa is a way to bring all these people together to the benefit of all."

The location for the first three clubs was available on the Code Club Aotearoa website, and times and dates for the clubs would also be announced on the Venture Centre website, said organisers.