WISE is looking for more employers and individuals to take part in its ongoing survey to help future-proof tomorrow’s workforce; and ensure women form part of the ongoing tech revolution.
The call for participation, from the non-profit which encourages women to participate in STEM, comes as initial results show that more women in tech roles studied physics and engineering (28%) at degree level than computer science or information technology degrees (17%); a reversal of their male counterparts’ experience where they studied 14% and 27% respectively. Importantly, the survey also shows that tech roles are open to those without a STEM background; approximately 10% of both female and male respondents had no formal STEM education, coming from arts/humanities/geography degrees.
“These initial results show the breadth of education and career paths that can lead to tech roles,” highlighted Kay Hussain, Chief Executive of WISE. “This means employers could cast their recruitment nets wider; and consider providing upskilling and reskilling opportunities to broaden the talent pool.”
FUTURE-PROOFING TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE
Recent research from McKinsey shows that, for UK employers, reskilling would yield positive economic returns in about three-quarters of cases. “Identifying the skills gap and understanding the most common routes into tech careers enable employers to better manage their recruitment; and will yield considerable benefits to the UK economy,” added Hussain. “That’s why we’re calling for more people at all levels and in all roles in tech to complete our survey; join the conversation around future-proofing tomorrow’s workforce; and ensure equal opportunities for everyone so that the next generation of women can be part of our ongoing tech revolution.”
The survey aims to capture and quantify the different routes into tech-based careers on age, gender, nationality and other characteristics. It will also collate a snapshot of educational qualifications that tech employees have and need; as well as training requirements.
“Exploring the different ways we can increase the gender balance in tech is important. It’s a discussion which we all need to be part of to help shift the dial and make much needed progress,” added Clare Bullock, Director, Technology Solutions at Jacobs; also sponsor of the survey. “It’s such a fantastic career option for women and more importantly, their contribution can really help close the skills gap the UK faces.”
Further information about the survey, which takes just 15 minutes to complete, can be found at: WISE Researching the Tech Landscape 2021. Did you know that around 50% women abandon tech careers by the age of 35? Click here to read more.
Sign up for our newsletter
