THE Welsh Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science spoke of her delight at the opening of the National Software Academy in Newport.

The initiative is a three-way partnership between the Welsh Government, the Alacrity Foundation and Cardiff University to boost the employability of software engineering students.

The importance of software engineering is vitally important to the commercial success of Newport and Wales in the future as digital understanding becomes more important.

Mrs Hart said: “I am absolutely delighted to finally open this initiative.

“It will be a wonderful partnership between the Welsh Government, Cardiff University and the Alacrity Foundation.”

The academy is situated at Transform on Devon Place in Newport’s city centre and offers the chance to address a national shortage in the necessary software skills.

The improvement in facilities and the understanding of the importance of software engineers to the Gwent area is an important factor in creating economic prosperity in the area.

“This will change a lot of things in this area and it is a great opportunity for the students who are getting involved,” said Mrs Hart.

“The goal of this programme is to help the next generation be ready for the working world.”

The academy will offer degrees which are tailored for the software engineering industry, with the intention to make the participants more employable.

Mrs Hart added that this is not just a unique opportunity for the area, but for Wales as a whole.

“We need new software engineers and they are vitally important for our economy,” she said.

“They are talented and they need the opportunity to broaden their horizons and this academy will help.

“We are selling Wales –we are selling the country to investors and already some big players involved and Newport is ideally situated with its links and its location.”

Simon Gibson echoed the minister’s sentiments in that this academy could be the start of something special for the city.

“This building as it grows will become an engine room for the city’s economy,” said the chairman of the Alacrity Foundation.

“Newport was chosen as part of the taskforce recommendation report in conjunction with the city and the Government.”

The intention to turn the centre in a software engineering hub is within the grasp of the partnership members, and Mr Gibson is excited about the future prospects.

“We want to build skills, entrepreneurship and commercialisation within the city centre,” he said.

“Our initial goal is to get at least 300 graduates involved. But imagine if we are able to get a couple of thousands coming through this centre.

“They will stay here in the city as a result and companies are already asking about relocating to Newport so that they can access this raw DNA and talent pool.”

Mr Gibson added that there are plans in place to take another site in Newport to create another academy.

“It will provide young people from Newport with new opportunities and skills,” he said.

“These graduates here will have one great advantage – they will be ready for employment and highly sought after because of what is on offer here.”