ACS Canberra looks to smash barriers for women in tech

Supporting Women Transitioning to an ICT career initiative to launch on June 30

29 JUNE 2022 – for immediate release

Program update (July 5): The program does not currently require any more mentors and there are just 7 participant spots left. An expression of interest form must be submitted by this Friday, 8 July.

Smashing the barriers faced by women entering male dominated technology professions is the focus of ACS Canberra’s new program, Supporting Women Transitioning to an ICT career, to be launched on 30 June 2022.

The Supporting Women Transitioning to an ICT career pre-traineeship program will support 40 Canberran women considering a digital technology career.

ACS Canberra Chair, Peter O’Halloran said “modelling suggests the ACT tech workforce will continue to grow at an annual rate of 5.5 percent until 2026”.

“One opportunity to increase the technology workforce is to increase its gender diversity - our annual Digital Pulse report on the state of the IT workforce last year found only 29 percent of the tech sector are women - and reskilling in technology knowledge is one way we can address that imbalance.”

The 12-month program will build participants’ personal confidence, bridge knowledge gaps in basic areas of IT, and provide a support network with 40 experienced female IT professional mentors also participating in the program.

“Participants in the program will include those who do not have an IT background and are first time workforce entrants (or are looking to re-entering the workforce after a prolonged absence) and those who are transitioning from other industry sectors,” said Mr O’Halloran.

“The program’s structure will overcome barriers such as a lack of role models, stereotypes and biases starting at school and the lack of awareness of career paths.”

The ACS hopes the participants will have secured employment and entered a traineeship at the end of this program.

“One key element is to find work experience opportunities for the participants, and we are calling for assistance from employers, especially those considering appointing an entry level IT trainee.”

Minister for Skills, Chris Steel will be launching the program on 30 June 2022.

“I am delighted to be launching Supporting Women Transitioning to an ICT Career program, providing supported pathways for women to pursue a career in digital technology.”

“Addressing barriers for women entering the IT industry has the potential to address skills shortages in the IT industry while at the same time enhancing workplace equity and inclusion.”

“I wish the participants every success in their completion of this program and thank them in advance for the contributions they will make to the IT industry.”  

The Supporting Women Transitioning to an ICT Career program receives funding support from the ACT and Australian Governments through the Future Skills for Future Jobs Grants Program, under the National Partnership on the Skilling Australians Fund.

Event details

What: ACS Canberra Supporting Women Transitioning to an ICT Career program launch

When: 30 June 2022, 10.00 am – 12.30 pm (formal proceedings start 10.15 am)

Where: Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre Function Room, 180 London Circuit, Canberra ACT 260.

Special Guest: ACT Minister for Skills, Chris Steel.

-ENDS-

Further information

Dr Vicki Gardiner

ACS Canberra Branch Manager

M – 0447 133 118

E – vicki.gardiner@acs.org.au

About Us

ACS is the professional association for Australia’s technology sector and the largest community with 47,000+ members from across business, government and education.

ACS champions the technologies, people and skills critical to Australia’s future, creating value for ACS members, the tech sector and society in four ways:

Community

Our focus is on fostering an innovative and inclusive community that is dedicated to powering positive change through technology.

Capability

We set the standard for assessing, developing and recognising the skills and experience of technology professionals.

Career

We create career pathways to guide technology professionals and ensure Australia has a pipeline of talent with the right skills and knowledge.

Migration

We assess and support skilled technology migrants to address critical skills shortages, improve diversity and enrich Australia’s workforce.

Find out more at: acs.org.au