New drive to get Blackpool girls to take up digital skills

The social enterprise group, InnovateHer, is teaming up with ITS Technology Group to bring the digital skills programme scheme to young people across the town.

Nationally, only 19 per cent of technical roles are female, while 14 per cent of pupils in Blackpool opt to take computer science at GCSE level.

InnovateHer is aiming to improve these statistics with the financial backing of ITS, which builds and operates gigabit capable full fibre networks. Blackpool Council is also supporting the initiative by providing an introduction into the education network.

The aim is to inspire the next generation to consider careers in technology and to showcase career paths within the local area into tech roles.

The partnership will enable InnovateHer to work with schools to provide their industry led Tech For Good programme online for free.

The Blackpool Education Improvement Board will be supporting the partnership by facilitating access to local schools and identifying pupils who would benefit from taking part in the course.

More than 60 pupils will be invited to take part. Pupils who are in receipt of free school meals as well as applicants from minority ethnic groups will be prioritised. The content features inspirational role models working in tech and is designed to inspire, inform and connect pupils online.

Coun Kath Benson, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Schools, Education and Aspiration, said: “We’re delighted to get involved with this initiative. Girls will benefit from being mentored by industry leading employers who will help them develop new digital skills.

“We have many bright and wonderful pupils in Blackpool so it’s essential that we continue to strive to give our children these opportunities. The partnership will help to show the huge range of opportunities available to them in the tech industry.”

Jo Morfee, co-founder of InnovateHer, said: “We are excited to launch this new partnership with ITS in Blackpool, which will see us working together to raise awareness about tech careers.

"I’m particularly passionate about working in Blackpool because I was born there, so I’m delighted to be working with young people in the area to ensure that everyone has equal access to opportunities.”

To find out more visit: www.innovateher.co.uk

Blackpool Gazette:

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