TechFirst Women’s Programme helps motivated women with transferable skills build careers in high-growth technology sectors – including AI, cyber security, engineering biology, quantum technologies, semiconductors and advanced communications – while helping employers access the talent they need to grow. And we’ve taken this message to BBC Radio Gloucestershire this week.
Following the launch of TechFirst Women’s Programme on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on Ada Lovelace Day, Plexal, along with all our partners, have been spreading the word about the initiative up and down the country.
And as part of that, our very own Innovation Lead, Sarah Pye, based in Plexal’s Cheltenham office, has spoken with BBC Radio Gloucestershire host Graham Rogers about the programme – particularly timely with Gloucestershire Tech Week from CyNam (a TechFirst Women’s Programme regional partner) underway.
Here’s how the conversation went.
Graham:
There’s seemingly not a day going by when we don’t hear something about artificial intelligence (AI).
Today, the Government has launched a new multi-million-pound programme to support more women into jobs and careers in AI and other technologies, as they currently account for just 21% of the UK technology workforce.
This also falls on Ada Lovelace Day, an international celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths.
So, I think you’ll agree it’s a really good day to have Sarah Pye with us on the programme.
Sarah is an Innovation Lead from Plexal, a company providing consultancy services and collaborative workspaces to companies working in areas like cyber security and artificial intelligence.
Tell us a little bit more about this new multi-million-pound programme that you’re involved in, which aims to encourage more women into this sector of work.
Sarah:
Absolutely. It’s a national programme and I think the key thing to pull out here is the problem you’ve already addressed: only 21% of the tech workforce is made up of women.
As you’ve said, technology is shaping almost every part of our lives and our economy, but women are still largely missing from the teams building it. This programme is really there to help solve that.
Graham:
Why are the figures so low? Why are so few women working in this field?
Sarah:
It’s a good question.
It isn’t that there’s a lack of talented women out there. I think there are multiple barriers.
Many women don’t see a clear route into technology careers, particularly if they’re changing careers, returning after a break, orh aven’t had a traditional technical background.
One common misconception is that, to enter tech, you need to know everything about technology. But the industry changes daily and weekly, so the training is there to provide upskilling for anyone.
Graham:
What skills and interests are required for a role like this?
Sarah:
It’s role-specific, however, many employers are looking for skills such as leadership, communication, problem-solving and project delivery. Alongside that, some technical roles will require technical knowledge.
But if you have the ability to learn and you bring transferable skills, that can come from any industry, then you’re well covered.
Graham:
We need to make it an attractive proposition for young women and girls currently in education because, as you say, this industry is expanding all the time. There’s a great future for both men and women who want to work in this field.
What can we do to make it more interesting and appealing for young people?
Sarah:
I think it already is.
The challenge is that technology roles are often presented in a very traditional way and that can create barriers in itself.
People might read a job description and immediately think, “I don’t have that experience.” It’s about amplifying that tech careers aren’t just about coding.
We need people in marketing, business development and many other areas of the business.
It’s also about increasing the visibility of role models. Given that only around one in five people in the sector are women, that’s harder for someone to picture themselves belonging there.
Career breaks can also create barriers. Taking time out for care responsibilities, including raising children, can make technology feel as though it’s moved on very quickly by the time someone returns. Getting back into the sector can be challenging without the right support.
That’s one reason programmes like this are so important and exciting for a younger generation. They help people see technology as an exciting and accessible career path.
And it’s really important to note that this isn’t just for younger women. It’s also for women mid-career who are looking to pivot into technology or who have taken a career break and want to do something completely different. This environment creates a safe space where they can do that.
Graham:
Can I ask why you love working in this field to the point you’re keen to encourage other people to come through the door and take this as a career choice?
Sarah:
My own career has progressed through what you would probably call the tech industry, but I don’t come from a technical background at all.
I started in agriculture, moved into agritech and then began working with cyber security companies.
I’m almost a proof point that you don’t necessarily need a technical background to enter the industry.
And from a personal perspective, I have a daughter and I’ve been on maternity leave. I understand the challenges of returning to work, even when you’re coming back to a role you enjoy.
So for women who are returning to work and aren’t quite sure what they want to do next, I feel really passionate about helping them find opportunities and progress into the sector.
Graham:
Well, if that chimes with you and you’re wondering what to do next, maybe think cyber. Maybe think artificial intelligence.
We’re going to need more people in these areas in the future, aren’t we?
Sarah:
Absolutely. We definitely are.
Graham:
Really good to talk to you, Sarah. Thank you.
That was Sarah Pye from Plexal, a company helping to encourage more women into careers in cyber security and artificial intelligence [through the TechFirst Women’s Programme].
