Fewer girls than boys consider acareer in technologybecause they do
not see positive female role models in the industry, according to
research in schools.
A survey of 1,000 young people aged between 11 and 16 revealed
that 28% of girls were considering a career in technology, compared
with 52% of boys.
That is despite the fact that nearly 90% of girls said using
technology was "cool" and 38% chat about the latest technology with
their friends.
The research, commissioned by Blackberry maker Research in
Motion,
found that 73% of girls said they would not choose a career in
technology because the UK IT industry lacks female role models.
Research in Motion said these factors had culminated in a
serious shortage of women in technology even though Gartner
research said
women held the key to plugging the critical
skills shortfall affecting the industry.
Charmaine Eggberry, vice-president of Research in Motion EMEA
and creator of the
Blackberry Women & Technology Awards said there was a lack
of understanding about the opportunities a career in technology had
to offer.
"The technology industry and current employees of the sector
need to work together to highlight the great opportunities that
technology jobs can provide," she said.
Overall, the research showed that 43% of boys and girls felt a
career in technology was "not exciting" and 30% said it was "too
geeky".
However, 43% of those surveyed said they would be more attracted
to the technology industry if they were provided with more
information and help about opportunities in this sector at
school.
Pay was also an important factor, with 75% saying they would be
attracted to a career in technology if they felt there was a
significant financial reward on offer.