Simon Powell of Eysys on recruitment problems

Plans to set up Wales' first software university are being prepared by businesses concerned about a skill shortage in hi-tech industries.

A team based at an office in Newport is already designing two-year degree courses for the project, BBC Wales has learned.

Students will study via a mix of online and applied learning along with built-in work experience.

A trial course is due to start in September.

Simon Powell, chief executive of Cardiff software firm Eysys says it is a struggle to find skilled graduates who did not need a lot of training.