Tech start-up FDisruptors has launched a pilot programme taking girls from across the Northwest through four months of training and insights into the world of tech. The pilot is phase one of ambitious plans for the company with a clear focus on tackling diversity in tech and mobilising more girls and young women to choose a career within the sector.

Debbie Edwards, CEO believes that “Diversity is technology’s next big opportunity.” She says:

“Having spent the past six months working with young women of all ages it has become clear that there is still a lack of awareness of the amazing tech career opportunities available to them across every sector, not just within tech itself. With developments in Health tech, Edtech and Fintech, to name just a few of the rapidly advancing areas, we need to ensure that young women see themselves placed at the heart of this innovation or we will be doing both them and the industry a disservice.”

A report recently issued in June 2016 by The Science and Technology Committee showed that the digital skills gap costs the UK economy £63bn a year and many companies are struggling to recruit new tech talent which ultimately has an impact on growth.

Edwards continues:

“Whilst recent numbers of girls taking Computing at GCSE level have more than doubled from over 5k in 2015 to over 12k in 2016 we still need to do more to prepare them for a career in the tech industry by matching qualifications with the development of personal attributes such as resilience, self-belief and emotional intelligence, all cited by companies as being highly desirable and no doubt providing a better foundation for a long career within the industry.”

The FDisruptor pilot will deliver careers intelligence, tech skills, confidence and health and wellbeing, aswell as access to role models, all of which Edwards believes are critical if we want to both attract and retain female talent in tech positions, “It has long been recognised that young women need to ‘see what they can be’ in the tech industry which is why role models will play a big part in the programme. They will be connected to female tech entrepreneurs, women leading global Tech for Good projects, senior women in tech and other influencers such as tech apprentices and graduates who are trail blazing, and whose stories will compel other young women to visualise their career paths on a global scale.

Hosting the pilot will be business incubator Launch22 who are a key partner in the delivery and support of the four month pilot schedule. Events include a Hackathon called ‘Tech Re-imagined for a more diverse world’ and a prestigious graduation ceremony including playing host to some global speakers who will visit the region to deliver tech expertise to the girls involved. Speaking of the partnership Matt Kennedy, Manager for Launch22 said:

“We are delighted to be partnering with FDisruptors to deliver this opportunity for young women to get involved in the tech sector. Launch22 offers a supportive and collaborative environment where our members can grow, and we believe that this programme is a great addition to our community.”