A government-backed initiative has been launched to try
to persuadewomenwho have left IT after taking a
career break to return to the industry.
The programme, from IT consultancy ThoughtWorks, will include
two training placements at its London offices over a two-month
period.
If successful, the candidates could be offered roles at the
company. The initiative is sponsored by Equalitec, a UK
not-for-profit organisation that aims to assist in the recruitment,
retention and
advancement of women in IT.
"We do not want to accept that there are not enough women in IT
- we want to do something about it," said John Galioto, UK managing
director at ThoughtWorks.
"Women who work as developers and then take a career break have
tremendous value and ability that we want to help bring back into
IT.
"The industry moves so quickly that one year out can mean many
new technologies missed, deterring many women from returning. We
are offering an intensive training course to bridge that gap."
The course will be free for delegates, with financial support
provided by ThoughtWorks and Equalitec, subject to entry
requirements.
Maggie Berry, director of IT careers advice portal
Womenintechnology.co.uk, said, "By focusing on this massive
untapped resource, ThoughtWorks is helping to highlight just how
rewarding a career in IT can be for women who have stepped out of
the industry."