UK ISP PlusNet Demands More Women in the Technology Industry

Internet provider PlusNet has today claimed that jobs in the UK technology industry “stereotypically speaking … attract hairy, geeky blokes (sorry guys!)” (yeah thanks) and that it would like to see more women getting involved in the I.T. sector.

Naturally PlusNet are keen to point out that 24.5% of their workforce is female, which remains higher than the estimated industry average of around 17%. On top of that the ISP claims that almost a third of its new recruits over the last 12 months have been women, which is quite impressive.

Cath Delsignore, PlusNets Training and Recruitment Manager, said:

“As an industry we need to work more closely with local schools, colleges and universities to raise awareness of what roles are available.

At Plusnet we regularly invite students into the business to give them a hands-on taste of what the industry can offer for both males and females.”

But Cath Delsignore warns that there’s still some work to be done and points to the recent UCAS figures which show that, out of a total of 11,998 applicants of technology courses, just 2196 (18.3%) were female. Shocking news for all those “hairy, geeky blokes” out there whom might now find it even harder to get a date.. “stereotypically speaking” ;).

Thankfully Cath has a few tips for women thinking of taking up a career in tech, which hopefully won’t come off as being in the least bit patronising to them.

Tips for Women in I.T.

• Don’t be scared – take the leap

• Spend time, where you can, getting hands on experience so that you can again a realistic impression of what different departments within an industry can offer

• Take advantage of support offered by your employer, use every opportunity to learn

• Develop a questioning mentality, challenge the norm and think creatively

• Look to those who have gained success in your chosen areas as role models