Woman in Technology? Inspire a new generation now!

As part of the initiative, women working in the digital and technology roles at all levels are being asked to sign up to the TechFuture Women’s Network, a community of professionals taking part in programmes that promote technology in schools. The aim is to change the way that young people learn about technology and ensure they see the range and excitement of tech careers open to them.

Michelle Perkins, Director, Schools Outreach Programme at Capgemini, outlines the thinking behind the TechFuture Women’s Network: “If we’re to attract talented young people into tech careers, we need to start early, so working with school age children is vital. We know that nothing is more powerful for young people than seeing real-life success – people who are clearly having enjoyable and worthwhile careers – so we hope that female tech specialists will jump at the chance to act as role models. Both boys and girls need to hear and be influenced by women already working in the industry.”

Debbie Forster, co-CEO of Apps for Good, adds: “School students really value their interaction with business people, and the positive modelling they provide adds an extra dimension to the Apps for Good programme. We’re delighted to be working with Capgemini, and the other employers of the Tech Partnership, to encourage mentors to join us in schools.”

The first of opportunities available to the TechFuture Women’s Network is to join the Apps for Good Expert Community. Apps for Good Experts share their skills and knowledge with enthusiastic student teams as they develop ideas for apps – getting loads of energy, inspiration and new perspectives in return.  In the last academic year, more than 25,000 students took part.

There are also openings to mentor young women in TechFuture Girls clubs, after school or lunchtime clubs aimed at girls aged 10 – 14. Since its launch in 2005, more than 150,000 girls have benefited from its mix of activities, games and projects, all designed to build their skills and confidence in technology.  Mentors visit the clubs regularly to support the girls and provide new perspectives on the learning.

Register here for full details of TechFuture Women’s Network, and to receive updates and invitations.
[1] Tech Partnership / BCS Women in IT Scorecard 2015 https://www.thetechpartnership.com/resources/

More about the partners behind the TechFuture Women’s Network
About The Tech Partnership
The Tech Partnership is a growing network of employers creating the skills for the digital economy. We work to inspire young people about technology, accelerate the flow of talented people from all backgrounds into technology careers, and help companies develop the technology skills they need for the future.
About Capgemini
Now with 180,000 people in over 40 countries, Capgemini is one of the world’s foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services. The Group reported 2014 global revenues of EUR 10.573 billion. Together with its clients, Capgemini creates and delivers business, technology and digital solutions that fit their needs, enabling them to achieve innovation and competitiveness. A deeply multicultural organization, Capgemini has developed its own way of working, the Collaborative Business Experience^TM, and draws on Rightshore^®, its worldwide delivery model.
Learn more about us at www.capgemini.com.
Rightshore^® is a trademark belonging to Capgemini
About Apps for Good
Apps for Good is an education technology movement that is transforming the way technology is taught in schools, turning young tech consumers into tech creators.
Working alongside educators Apps for Good has developed a free flexible course framework that infuses digital learning with teamwork, creativity and entrepreneurship. Students find a problem they want to solve and apply new skills to making a real life app, exploring the full product development cycle from concept to coding to launch in a way that brings the classroom to life.
Apps for Good partners with educators in schools and learning centres to deliver its app development course to young people 10-18 years of age. In the 2014/15 academic year, the programme has been delivered to over 25,000 students within more than 500 Education Partners across the whole of the UK.
Apps for Good is currently recruiting schools to join as Education Partners for 2015/2016 visit appsforgood.org to find out more