“We’re delighted to be inspiring the next generation to consider a tech career,” Yvonne Gill, executive director of TechWomen says.
“Our ShadowTech Day programme offers girls in Years 9-11 an opportunity to discover the world of tech, spark their curiosity and explore career pathways,” she adds.
ShadowTech Day is designed to showcase a range of real technology roles, to show students there’s more to working in tech than just coding, and there’s a tech job to suit everyone.
Students are matched with local tech companies and will gain first-hand experience to imagine their future career. Their day-long visit also includes a workplace tour, meeting the team and workshop activities.
“Our aim is simple, to inspire girls to pursue education pathways that lead to tech careers,” Gill says.
“We’re showing them what it’s really like in the fastest growing and highest paid sector.
“From AI to health tech, SaaS to space, Aotearoa New Zealand is producing world-class tech solutions that are good for the world. A diverse workforce is crucial for the industry’s continued success.”
Currently, women make up only 29 per cent of New Zealand’s digital IT workforce.
“We know the diversity challenge begins in education, with only 40 per cent of NCEA tech students and 24 percent of IT graduates identifying as female,” Gill says.
“Initiatives like ShadowTech Day are important in helping break down barriers and dispel myths about tech careers.”
A TechWomen initiative supported by NZTech, ShadowTech Day has grown from 50 participating workplaces last year to 69 this year, and Gisborne and Timaru are new hosting cities.
This year, ShadowTech Day is being hosted in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Gisborne, Tauranga, Timaru, Waikato and Wellington.
Gill gave special thanks to supporters Deloitte, Westpac, TechStep, CyberCX, Verizon Connect, Tuatahi First Fibre, Ministry of Education and VISA.
“Without their support we couldn’t provide ShadowTech Day,” she says.
