Women put off tech jobs by age 15 says Tech Nation report

Tech Nation today (28 Feb) released part 3 of 4 of their Tech Nation Talent series, where they investigate young people’s perceptions of tech as a future career.

This research is critical to build an understanding of young people’s career preferences, and those aspects of tech that might lead to an alternative career choice.

In doing so, they highlight opportunities for tech companies, founders and CEOs to move the UK towards a more inclusive and diverse future tech workforce.

This report has found that women claimed that they “do not have the skills to work in technology”, 38 per cent said they “lack knowledge about technology” and 24 per cent felt that the industry was “not for people like them”.

In response to this, Regina Moran, VP, Head of Industry Consulting and Software Solutions, EMEIA BAS, Fujitsu said:

“It’s often assumed the only jobs you can get with a degree in maths or engineering are highly technical or dull. As this misconception is partly why STEM subjects continue to suffer from a long-standing image problem, this needs addressing because the shortage of women in STEM careers is partly due to a lack of awareness of the opportunities that exist.

“This is made worse by the flawed perception that some groups, such as women, don’t belong in STEM professions. But women make up half of the UK population and as such, the nation cannot afford to miss out on a huge group of talent. 

“At a younger age, it’s about communicating how, for instance, studying computer science can lead to a career in design – or even technology marketing or management of a business division. Then in the workplace, women’s networks are vital in ensuring that women receive the proper support and advice they need. And it’s the responsibility of the senior team to take the lead by championing women within their organisation, and encouraging senior women to act as mentors and role models.

“In short – we need to be fostering female talent early on and throughout their careers. After all, organisations that fail to foster a whole group of talent properly will prevent the UK from seeing a prosperous economy.”