IBM played host to the annual Connecting Women in Technology (CWIT) CEO forum today.
Executives representing 18 companies were joined by Minister for Education & Skills Richard Bruton who discussed the importance of promoting STEM and technology careers at school level and promoting female role models in industry.
Over the past 12 months, CWIT member companies have undertaken a range of activities to improve gender diversity in their industry, including IT is not just for geeks – a programme that educates students and encourages girls in particular on the vast array of opportunities in the technology sector.
More than 4,000 students were reached by the programme, and there are plans to expand this in 2018 by recruiting more volunteers from CWIT companies.
In addition, the STEM Teacher Internship programme, supported by CWIT and 30% Club Ireland, has facilitated 11 student teachers from the BSc. Science Education in Dublin City University to complete 12-week paid internships in Accenture, AIB and Intel.
It is estimated that these student teachers will have the ability to reach more than 440,000 students once qualified. The purpose of this internship programme is to give a teacher, who may influence thousands of young people during their careers, first-hand experience of working in the technology sector.
In 2018, the number of internships will increase as more member companies including IBM, Virgin Media and Vodafone facilitate these key placements.
A key focus area for CWIT has been contributing to the refresh of the ICT Skills Action Plan 2014-2018 which is currently underway. Working closely with Ibec and the Department of Education and Skills, CWIT is promoting the inclusion of specific actions on gender diversity within the plan as well as gaining the necessary commitment from its participant companies to deliver on relevant actions. CWIT welcome the phased introduction of Leaving Certificate Computer Science in 2018, an issue which has been high on the CWIT agenda, as well as the introduction of coding as a short course at Junior Cycle.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton said: “The vibrant technology sector we have here in Ireland is an important part of Ireland’s economic success.
“As part of my overall ambition to make Ireland’s education system the best in Europe by 2026, I have put a strong emphasis on the teaching and learning of STEM subjects. This is an area I am personally very passionate about and I am ensuring its delivery through the forthcoming STEM strategy and also the refresh of the ICT Action Plan.
“With input from industry, including CWIT, the ICT Action Plan will include specific initiatives to encourage women and underrepresented groups to take up science and technology subjects and seriously consider the technology sector when making their career choice. I am very encouraged today to see the emphasis being placed on cooperation between education and the technology sector in promoting inclusion, awareness raising and diversity.”
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