Deloitte has joined hands with Innovate Finance to launch an app and educational programme for pupils in Scotland.
In the hope of accelerating financial education, the app lets students gain access to information that will help them to better manage their own personal finances whilst developing their understanding of financial inclusion, banking, mobile payments, and cryptocurrency.
Through the use of the technology, students will have the opportunity to learn about how mobile payments work, how their data is really used, and the role technology plays in the evolution of financial services.
Kent Mackenzie, Deloitte’s Risk Analytics and Fintech Lead for Scotland, said: “A variety of reports over the last few years have highlighted the risk we run in sleepwalking into a digital skills gap. To avoid this, it is vital to support talent and skills development in fintech as we look towards a digital future.
“Our aim through this app and programme is to build knowledge and to demonstrate the value in pursuing fintech as a career and give young people the chance to learn more about the role it already plays in their day-to-day lives.
“Fintech contributes significantly to the Scottish economy every year, and there is potential for this to grow even further. However, to achieve this, we need to invest in digital upskilling at every level, and ideally, engage and inspire young people at a young age to ensure success.”
Following the launch of the app, Deloitte is working with Skills Development Scotland and Fintech Scotland on the delivery of a pilot project with five schools. These include Johnstone High School, Stirling High School, Grantown Grammar, Peebles High School, and St Kentigerns Academy who will all take part in the first virtual session tomorrow on the 2nd December.
Following the pilot project, the aim is to roll the app out to all schools in Scotland in 2022, ensuring pupils all over the country can access work experience, insights, and encouragement about a potential career in fintech.
Shona McAlpine, Computing Science Teacher, Stirling High School, said: “This app will give our pupils the insight they need to understand the fintech sector and the opportunities that are available to them. I am confident all students will benefit from this technology, which is simple to use and understand, and will help them see how fintech is already part of their everyday lives.”
Claire Gillespie, Digital Technology Skills Industry Manager, Skills Development Scotland (SDS), added: “As the adoption of new technologies continues to accelerate, it’s hugely important that tech employers grasp the opportunity to show young people how digital skills can unlock an increasingly vast array of exciting new careers.
“The success of our Tech Industry in the Classroom programme of live lessons showed this concept has a great deal to offer. It gives young people a genuine insight into the tech sector and helps employers engage with potential new talent.
“We are hoping that employers across Scotland make use of the Tech Industry In Schools Toolkit which launched last month and aims to make it as easy as possible for them to engage with schools.”
Nicola Anderson, CEO of Fintech Scotland said: “Fintech is shaping the future of finance and is developing rapidly. It’s driven by contributions from a completely diverse range of talent and skills and it’s vital that our children and young people are engaged in the future of fintech.
“We’re delighted to work with Skills Development Scotland, Deloitte and our fintech SME’s AccessFintech, Soar and EedenBull on this exciting initiative. Through the combination of this app and hearing direct experiences from our inspiring fintech businesses, we hope to excite future talent about the prospect of fintech, explaining opportunities, busting myths and generating enthusiasm for fintech for all.”
