BBC gives children mini-computers in Make it Digital scheme

Giving computers and coding lessons to kids is a great idea. They'll learn some useful skills about approaching problems, breaking things down in to logical parts, a bit of maths, a bit of critical thinking, and why being organised is a good thing. All very useful lessons.

But why are these schemes always sold on the idea that they'll help to plug a digital skills gap over the next 5 years? These are 11 year olds. They won't enter the workplace for another 7 years at least, more likely 10 if digital jobs still need a degree then. To say this is a measure that addresses any problems facing the digital industry at the moment is stupid.