Initiating a pipeline for the computer industry: Using scratch and LEGO robotics

This paper reports on a pilot project of limited scopeto create a pipeline for the computer programming industry. It comes at a time when the demand for software programmers exceeds the dwindling supply of competent learners with suitable skills. This growing skills gap requires a bold intervention to turn this situation around. Preliminary results from a user questionnaire indicate a positive reaction to learners being exposed to programming using Scratch Software as a prelude to the introduction of Robotics using LEGO NXT units. The objective of such an intervention is to provide individuals with a hands-on experience of programming to convince them to select Information Technology as a subject in Grades 10–12 in the hope that they will one day choose a career in programming.