Past Programmes

Software Development Programme

In March 2020, we launched our first 15-week fully online programme, built around the SQA-accredited PDA in Software Development. Funded by Skills Development Scotland and the Digital Start Fund. The programme was open to anyone in Scotland who was unemployed or faced multiple barriers to employment. Participants were taught Java, PHP, SQL, and soft skills essential for the workplace. The programme concluded with real-world project work, helping learners transition into software and web development roles or progress into further education.

FUNDED BY: Digital Start Fund (SDS)

Learner Testimonials

  • “I originally trained in psychology. I learned web development tools that gave me the skills and confidence to become a full stack developer. The programme was a turning point in my career.”

  • "I was originally an accountant, but retraining with Code Division in 2020 changed everything. With their support, I transitioned into tech and now work as a Front-End Engineer at Verint, after roles at ScottishPower and the BBC. I’m still learning every day, and I wouldn’t be here without them."

Data Science Accelerator

In April 2021, funded by The Data Lab, we delivered Scotland’s very first PDA in Data Science—a landmark online programme supporting learners from Edinburgh, including unemployed individuals and underrepresented groups, by equipping them with essential technical and analytical skills. The curriculum included data analysis with Python, applied statistics, data visualization, and project management.

The programme culminated in collaborative group data projects, with many graduates progressing into emerging roles across the data and tech sectors.

We even got to meet our learners as restrictions lifted at the Norton Park Centre.

FUNDED BY: The Data Lab

Learner Testimonials

  • "The course helped me gain a promotion and develop my career."

  • "It helped me gain the confidence and develop my skills in data science."

  • "Code Division enabled me to progress to a Senior PMO position."

Women Returner Programmes

We delivered this programme across eight cohorts between 2021 and 2022, supporting women re-entering the workforce. These 6 week programmes focused on building confidence, enhancing communication skills, and developing proficiency with data and digital tools such as Power BI, Excel, and SQL. The programme also offered the SQA accredited PDA in Data Science Level 7.

Many participants went on to secure digital roles in sectors including government, finance, and technology.

FUNDED BY: Women Returners

Learner Testimonials

  • “The Women Returner course was a turning point in my life and career. After years out of the workforce, I had lost confidence and wasn’t sure what kind of job I could do. The technical skills gave me the confidence to support customers with IT issues at work, while the 4Cs training helped me recognise the value of my transferable skills. Bianca’s empathy and creativity sessions – including learning to use Canva – were eye-opening and empowering. Jade’s job coaching helped me refresh my CV and apply for roles I would never have considered before. Thanks to Code Division, I now have a meaningful job that fits around my caring responsibilities, and my mental health and self-belief have hugely improved.”

  • “The skills I learned from Code Division have been incredibly helpful, allowing me to come back with force after a long career break and prove myself as Performance and Finance reporting Analyst at the UK IT Finance team.”

  • "The programme gave me the confidence to apply for my current position."

  • “The Women Returner program was excellent and supported me in getting my new job.”

Digital Empowerment: Ukrainian Women

We adapted our innovative Women Returner programme to support Ukrainian women displaced by conflict. The programme was designed by Bianca Peel in just four weeks and delivered on a shoestring budget. To build trust and understanding, we met with the women both on a boat moored in Govan and at their base in Glasgow City Centre. Over five weeks, we supported 33 women through a tailored programme that blended digital skills training with empathy-led human skills and trauma-informed practices. As a result, many participants successfully transitioned into digital roles across various sectors.

FUNDED BY: Women Returners

Learner Testimonials

  • "Code Division helps confidence and gives us new opportunities and possibilities."

  • "Thanks to the Code Division team I got a job in a large multinational organisation."

  • "Code Division improve people’s lives or even drastically change them like it has for me."

Data Accelerator Programmes

In 2023 we successfully delivered two 16-week Data Accelerator programmes, designed to support disadvantaged learners across Scotland. Delivered entirely online, the programme was built around the PDA in Data Science (SCQF Level 8) and offered comprehensive training in Data Analysis, Python, Statistics, Excel, and Power BI. In addition to technical skills, participants developed essential human skills to prepare them for real workplace environments.

The programme concluded with a six-week, real-world data project, giving learners hands-on experience with industry-relevant challenges. Over 80% of those who completed the programme progressed into analyst and data focused roles.

FUNDED BY: Digital Start Fund

Learner Testimonials

  • "The programme helped me to improve methods for and analysis of modelling data which led me to the new role."

  • “The Code Division Programme was key in training for the data analytics job that I am currently doing.”

  • "Code Division gave me self-confidence and made such a positive impact on my career."

Digital Marketing Essentials

We delivered this eight-week digital marketing programme in 2023. Funded by Skills Development Scotland (Digital Skills Pipeline), this course was tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs, sole traders, freelancers, and job seekers, many with little or no prior marketing experience. It aimed to build both confidence and capability through a structured, supportive learning experience.

Participants gained practical tools to plan and run effective campaigns, boost their digital presence, and apply their learning directly to their business or job search. By the end, learners were better equipped to navigate the digital landscape, drive growth through strategic marketing or gain digital marketing roles.

FUNDED BY: Digital Skills Pipeline

Learner Testimonials

  • “The course gave me the marketing skills I needed to grow my business and reach more customers. It’s helped me take things to the next level.”

  • “I joined the course to improve my English and understand digital marketing in the UK. Although I had some experience in social media marketing back in Ukraine, this programme gave me a complete picture of the digital landscape. Thanks to what I learned, I secured a job in Scotland and was able to apply a wide range of new tools and strategies.

    Tess was an incredible instructor—dedicated, knowledgeable, and truly inspiring. Her teaching made a huge difference, and I’m so grateful to have learned from her. What you’re doing—helping people restart their careers—is truly life-changing. I'm now working as a digital marketer here in Canada, and I love it!”

Cyber Resilience Programme

In 2024, we designed and delivered a learner-centred cyber skills programme for refugees across Scotland, in partnership with industry and refugee organisations, to support secure employment in the cyber sector. The programme combined the SQA PDA in Cyber Resilience (SCQF Level 8) with core skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.

Using design thinking, social-emotional learning, and STEAM principles, it fostered confidence, a growth mindset, and real-world readiness—empowering participants to successfully enter Scotland’s digital workforce.

FUNDED BY: Cyber Scotland

Learner Testimonials

  • “After a few months, I’ve got a position at Scottish Power as an Analyst, where I’m now working in the Smart Metering team. I’m using quite a lot of Python and Power BI for reporting, so the skills that I’ve learned from the Code Division course really laid the foundation for my career..“

  • “Completing the Code Division programme was a pivotal moment in my professional journey. Before the course, I had no background in Python or programming, but by the end, I had developed a strong foundation in Python that became incredibly valuable during my master's in business Analysis and Consulting. The technical skills I gained were instrumental in my academic projects and data analysis work, helping me stand out both in class and in collaborative assignments.

    Equally impactful was Bianca’s soft skills training. Her sessions significantly enhanced my communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities—skills that have proven essential in my current role in employer engagement. Whether I’m coordinating with partners or working on group assignments, the interpersonal competencies I developed through Code Division continue to make a real difference.”

Learner Testimonials

Tayside, Dundee Women and Data Programmes

From late 2024 to March 2025, two online programmes—Women and Data Skills and Neurodiverse Women in Data—ran across Tayside and Tay Cities to close the digital skills gap for women. Through online workshops, mentoring, and live projects, participants gained technical skills in Python, Excel, Power BI, Google Sheets, and SQL, along with leadership and teamwork experience. The programmes were accredited to either PDA Data Science (SCQF Level 7 or Level 8). The courses emphasised inclusion, accessibility, and industry engagement, and concluded with individual and group data projects.

FUNDED BY: Tay Cities and Dundee City Council

  • “This is my first week as Information Co-ordinator at Dundee Historic Environment Trust.  Studying data science with Code Division gave me the confidence and skills to apply for a job I wouldn't have considered before, and Bianca Peel wrote me a fantastic reference.”

  • “Taking part in this programme was a turning point for me. As someone looking to transition into data after university, I found the structured learning and real-person support invaluable—especially compared to other online courses that charge without offering real guidance. The fact that it’s SQA accredited made a big difference, as it gave my CV a recognised boost. The programming section was intense—we went from zero experience to completing full analysis cycles—but the tutors were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive throughout. What stood out most was the sense of community; I connected with like-minded people and made lasting friendships. This programme gave me real skills, hands-on experience, and the confidence to take the next step in my data career.”

Shorter courses

Over the past five years, we’ve delivered numerous short digital and data courses, including bespoke training in digital marketing, Adobe Photoshop, Java, Web Technologies, and Social Media.

Since March 2021, through our partnership with Data Skills at Work, we've run 20+ SQA-accredited courses across Edinburgh, Southeast Scotland, and the Tay City Region, reskilling over 300 learners. Our participant base has included 86% women, 22% BAME, 18% neurodiverse individuals, and 30% refugees. Courses have covered a wide range of topics, including Data and Statistics, Data and Marketing, Python, Excel, SQL, Machine Learning, AI, and our latest offering—Data and Automation.

Learner Testimonials

  • "Having the correct python skills helped me getting my current job position. I started out as a Data Support Technician at RMSI (Scottish Power contractor), where I was working with ESRI GIS software for mapping and spatial analysis. I was soon promoted to a Data Analyst role, which gave me the opportunity to deepen my skills in data analysis using Power BI for reporting and problem-solving.”

  • “The course helped me develop my data and statistical skills.”

  • “This course allowed me to push the organisation forward in terms of our data maturity.”

  • “I was able to build a new career in digital marketing while caring for my baby at home.  The course gave me practical experience and flexibility, which made a big difference.”