Building a Software-First Future for All

In this episode of Workplus, host Richard Kirk sits down with Neil Hutcheson, CEO of Software NI, to explore how education, industry, and government can work together to embed software and AI into everyday life. Neil shares how his organisation is advocating for computer science to become as foundational as maths in schools, how policy can unlock systemic change, and why non-traditional paths into the software sector matter more than ever. With insight, clarity, and passion, Neil makes a compelling case for a future where everyone can build and belong in the world of software.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Work gives people purpose, opportunity, and connection
• Only 1 in 4 post-primary schools in NI has a dedicated software teacher
• Industry insights days and mentoring schemes are equipping teachers with practical tools
• Software and AI need to be normalised in schools just like maths or English
• Industry can help fill the gap where schools lack dedicated computing staff
• Apprenticeships and academies offer vital alternatives to traditional university routes
• Government policy change is key to unlocking education and infrastructure improvements
• AI tools are making it easier for students to start building from an early age
• Human traits like communication and problem-solving are as critical as technical skills
• Sales is a vital, overlooked career path within the software sector

BEST MOMENTS
00:02:54. “Some people are good at some things, and some people are good at other things.”
00:04:16. “Only 1 in 4 of our post-primary schools has a sort of dedicated software teacher.”
00:05:21. “The best way you can do it is to help kids to understand and start to build.”
00:09:07. “We’ve set up Industry Insights Days, so we’ve got teachers come in and learn.”
00:15:02. “An apprentice really benefits because they go in from day one and they start to learn.”
00:27:14. “Why not harness that? Sales selling is one of those people are pretty good at naturally.”
00:34:14. “Get 40 additional software apprentices who are women among your wider companies.”
00:40:23. “You gotta take a punt. Now, I think of apprenticeships as sometimes... not always.”
00:47:16. “It all makes sense when you look back. Then left a role and worked full time trying to make it as a photographer.”

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