1. NEW RECRUITS

1.3 Women

Computer Clubs

This is a high profile DfES and DTI sponsored programme that will impact on girls across the country. The objective is to increase the numbers of girls choosing careers and/or academic development paths leading to professional careers in Information and Communication Technology. This project will give all girls an image of IT careers as accessible, fun and credible.

The e-skills NTO is looking for partners who can help deliver the objectives below, either in the pilot or when the project is rolled out across the country.

The type of contribution that is being sought is:

  • Young employees (under 25) to go into schools to work with girls in the clubs, both to inspire them and to act as role models &/or mentors. (1 hr a week etc.)
  • Inspirational content, concepts, resources and software.
  • Motivational incentives awards and concepts.

Addressing negative perceptions
The negative image of careers in IT industry is the main reason why it is failing to attract women. "Image" will therefore be the "driver" for decision making on this project.
Current experience of IT lessons in schools reinforces the "geeky"/boring image that girls have of IT careers. Across the UK there are thousands of lunchtime, after school and summer computer clubs that already exist. Currently most of their members are boys. Teachers find it difficult to provide interesting content that will inspire students. Role models and employer input is needed to give the clubs real world relevance sufficient to inspire students.

If women were to enter IT careers in the same numbers as men there would be no skills shortage. There has, however, been a dramatic drop in the proportion of women in these careers.

Project strategies
This project aims to inspire girls in IT by:

  • Encouraging existing computer clubs to set up girl only "sessions"
  • Creating a "National Computer Club Parent Body" that predominantly, through www.clickinit.com (an evolving trendy website) offers its members genuine benefits, activities and projects that are easy to facilitate, image driven and are age appropriate.
  • Giving girls the "desire" to gain IT skills by creating an e-learning environment with "facilitated" e-skills, soft skills and fun based activities, rewards and real world recognition which recognise their own interests and excites them.

The project will use:

  • Promotions: special offers and deals from the real and virtual world exclusive to members and links to sites offering relevant non-exclusive promotions.
  • Community activities: secure, non-anonymous, chat, discussion rooms, e-mail, e-cards and message boards.
  • Lifestyle: webcasts and Q&A s with soap stars and celebs exclusive to members, (age appropriate role models and real world supporter/mentor contacts). Links and commercial access to special rates on customisable CD’s, mobile phone ringtone and logo services, games and other clubs, music and special events and shows, fashion, shopping, beauty etc.

Contact : Simon Le Jeune on or

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