TheComputer Clubs for Girlsprogramme,
run by the IT sector skills council E-Skills UK, has signed up its
100,000 girls.
The project aims to get more girls aged between 10 and 14
involved and interested in IT. School clubs held after the day's
classes provide girls with creative and interactive activities
focusing on areas such as fashion, celebrity, crime scene
investigation and music. Employers have also been involved, running
workshops and providing role models for the girls.
E-Skills UK said about 1,000 girls a week join the clubs, with
58% of secondary schools in England involved. The scheme was
set up in 2005 to address the
low numbers of women entering the IT profession. About 18% of
the IT workforce is female.
Karen Price, chief executive at E-Skills UK, said, "Computer
Clubs for Girls gives girls an insight into the relevance of IT to
every aspect of our lives and a better understanding of the career
options available.
"It also builds skills confidence that will support these girls
throughout their future lives. Many employers have given their time
and resources to help achieve the phenomenal success of the
programme."
Jayne Miles, IT infrastructure manager at motor manufacturer
Ford, said, "We are delighted to support Computer Clubs for Girls.
The UK urgently needs more talented young women to consider careers
in technology. Computer Clubs for Girls is vital in achieving this,
introducing girls to IT in fun and inspiring ways. It also provides
an ideal opportunity for us to support our local schools and
community. We encourage our staff to get involved with Computer
Clubs for Girls and they find the experience very rewarding."
E-Skills UK said more than 66% of girls who participate in the
programme say they would be more likely to consider a career in
IT.
Computer Clubs
for Girls website >>