An initiative started by professional services network PwC with the aim of encouraging more girls and young women across the UK into careers in technology has become an independent charity in its own right.
Tech She Can was launched in 2018 following a research study exploring why girls are less likely than boys to pursue tech-related subjects and jobs.
According to a PwC study, only 3% of girls say that their first choice would be a career in technology.
The new charity hopes that it can challenge this reluctance and encourage more girls and women into tech with the help of more than 200 member organisations.
These include strategic partners such as PwC, Google, Tesco, Zoopla and Nationwide, and other members Channel 4 and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
The charity aims to use a range of techniques and initiatives, including apprenticeships, career insights and work experience in tech-based jobs.
Following two successful pilot schemes, Tech She Can has already launched an online portal accessible by schools across the UK.
Going by the name of Tech We Can, the portal provides lesson plans aimed at both girls and boys aged between nine and 14.
Online portal is reaching more than 600 schools in the UK
These plans are based on technologies available at each participating school and look to encourage a diverse range of pupils to explore future careers in technology.
They include highlighting real-life role models, especially prominent women in tech, as well as showcasing the sheer breadth of technology roles available.
Tech We Can now reaches more than 600 schools, and parents and carers were also given access to the online platform during lockdown.
Parents and carers took part in shortened online lessons in the UK and beyond, including participating home-schoolers in the US, Australia, India and Greece.
Tech She Can has also piloted a ‘virtual boot camp’ apprenticeship in partnership with Zoopla, while Zoopla, PwC, Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley all joined forces to deliver a Career Insight Programme for Y11 pupils.
Another newer initiative, called Tech We Can Champions, aims to provide training to employees of member organisations who want to give back to their local schools and communities.
Tech She Can founder and co-CEO Sheridan Ash said that the organisation was going from strength to strength inspiring girls and helping to address the skills gap in technology-based roles.
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