Northern Irish organisation Women in Business has launched its new "Press Refresh" scheme that aims to train 20 women in Data Analysis
The number of women working in the Northern Ireland tech industry is on the rise, and local business network Women in Business is growing with it. This week the group announced a new scheme designed to give 20 women the opportunity to retrain into highly paid tech jobs.
The Press Refresh scheme is being carried out in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College and is funded by the department for the Economy. It will recruit 20 women with no previous IT experience and give them extensive training in IT skills and Data Analytics tech, with the goal of securing employment in the local tech sector.
Recent statistics have shown that only 17% of jobs in tech are currently held by women despite ongoing efforts from local tech firms to boost the numbers. It's hoped that this new scheme will not only provide the 20 entrants with the skills needed to get jobs in the tech industry but also serve as proof of concept for other women thinking of retraining into tech.
Head over to https://pressrefresh.co.uk/ for more information on the scheme or to apply for one of the 20 spots on the programme. The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Monday November 2nd 2020.
Roseann Kelly, Chief Executive of Women in Business, commented: "We will continue to work to break down the barriers to gender diversity in the workplace, promote the benefits of flexible and part-time working to employers and encourage returning women to take the leap and pave out a successful career within the tech industry. Encouraging women to get back to work and to embark on a new career within the world of tech is the perfect opportunity to showcase the many benefits a diverse workforce can have on business."
Minster for the Economy, Diane Dodds commented: "It is an exciting time for the tech industry within Northern Ireland, so it is amazing to see the hard work Women in Business and Belfast Met have put into creating this relevant and skills-based programme. The Press Refresh will focus on upskilling up to 20 women returners who want to gain new skills."
Source: Written based on press release
