Our Co CEO Dr Claire Thorne is a passionate believer in small moments making a big difference.

"What did you do today?" Why every adult should practice active careers inspiration with young people in their lives

<p>Our CO CEO Dr Claire Thorne provided some thoughts on simple ways that you can have a big impact on young people’s aspirations. Here she gives her top tips on where to start: <br><br>“Do you practice <em>active</em> careers inspiration? When children start to be curious about your job and ask you, “What did you do today?” don't just shut the conversation down and say ‘I do lots of emails’, or ‘I give presentations’. Instead, think about what interactions you’re having, who you’re working with, and why. What’s the goal? What tools are you using? Where are you working? What’s the environment, and your team, really like? And how do you know that you’ve done a good job, and how did it make you feel? Was there some place, something or someone that really inspired you today?&nbsp;</p><p>“This could be around the breakfast table with a young person in your life, or it could be with a family friend. Anywhere really! And it’s never too early to start - especially as harmful gender stereotypes start to become embedded at such a young age. &nbsp;</p><p>“Little and often is the key. If we wait to age 14, 15, 16 - when many children engage in formal work experience placements - to start discussing careers and pathways, and linking their passions to opportunities, it’s already too late.&nbsp;</p><p>“So many of us ask children ‘what do you want to BE when you grow up?’ Children may not know the name of a particular role. Especially if they haven’t seen it themselves - in their everyday - or if it doesn’t have a uniform. Instead, try asking ‘what do you want to DO, change or build?’. Suddenly it’s not about a particular role or job title. It all feels less abstract. You will be amazed by their response and ignite their imagination!”</p><p>“If you want to take active careers inspiration to the next level, you can become a Tech We Can Champion. It’s free. And it’s a great way to spend your CSR / volunteer days you may get at work. It’s fulfilling, and enlightening! The programme is open to everyone. We provide full training and packs to deliver lessons to primary and secondary children across the UK virtually or in-person. Since we became a charity, more than 500 men and women Champions have completed the training and delivered lessons to over 33,000 pupils. It’s incredible. These are real-life role models reaching and inspiring children in classrooms. They’re opening their eyes to the opportunities and benefits of tech careers, and so often they plant a seed - helping to set them on a path.</p><p>“Our ambition is for our school’s programme, Tech We Can, to reach every child across the UK, at multiple times, at the moments that&nbsp; matter. We know that repeated and sustained interactions have the biggest impact. &nbsp;</p><p>If you would like to support us, email us at <a href="mailto:info@techshecan.org">info@techshecan.org</a> we’d love to hear from you.&nbsp;</p><p>Follow us on social media for further updates.&nbsp;</p><p>Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TechSheCan">https://www.facebook.com/TechSheCan</a></p><p>LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/techshecan/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/techshecan/</a></p><p>Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/techshecan/">https://www.instagram.com/techshecan/</a></p><p>X/Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Tech_She_Can">https://twitter.com/Tech_She_Can</a>&nbsp;</p>

"What did you do today?" Why every adult should practice active careers inspiration with the young people in their lives

Take a look at our first virtual CPD session for primary school teachers

NEW Primary Teacher CPD on demand session

<p><strong>"Attended some great CLPL from </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/Tech_She_Can"><strong>@Tech_She_Can</strong></a><strong> today. So many fantastic resources available for teachers to get learners thinking about careers in STEM!" </strong>Julia, Primary School Teacher&nbsp;</p><p>Becky Patel, our Head of Education and Learning, recently held a CPD session where she explained how to use the freely available Tech We Can educational resources to inspire children aged 5-14 to consider a future career in technology. <br><br>She also covered: <br>- Why careers education in primary schools is so important<br>- Research about how to best engage more girls in STEM subjects <br>- Example of technology jobs of the present and future <br>- How teachers can implement the Tech We Can resources into their curriculum<br><br>Remember to <a href="https://techshecan.org/tech-we-can#subscribe">sign up to our newsletter</a> and follow us on social media for updates on our next session:<br><a href="https://x.com/Tech_She_Can/status/1715035796674097563?s=20">X/Twitter</a><br><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7120801454092611584">LinkedIn</a><br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TechSheCan/posts/pfbid0Uy1huoEZjaxCkqvYkc8ZR2Cu47cBqBwbZZPGrUS9WMLZThXJpC98FAE2Q8r7QVwQl">Facebook</a></p>

Our innovative partnership with EdTech provider MCC Digital focuses on bringing tech to social mobility coldspots.

"It was best day because now I know what I'm going to be when I grow up."

<p>Our Education team regularly visit schools and deliver lessons to inspire girls and boys about tech careers. The lessons cover topics like how tech is used in cyber security, eSports and gaming, or to help the planet. We introduce children to new and emerging tech and help them to explore related careers.</p><p>We tailor our lessons based on how much tech the school has access to. Some schools have limited resources, so we deliver ‘low tech’ lessons. Whereas in other schools every child has their own iPad. It’s therefore easier to integrate apps or online resources or even augmented reality into the lessons, making them more engaging and interactive.&nbsp;</p><p>After each session we collect feedback from pupils and teachers to measure impact. Feedback on these sessions was overwhelmingly positive. When asked how we could improve the sessions, many pupils suggested that we could bring tech with us to use in the sessions, as many schools don’t have access to this.&nbsp;</p><p>MCC Digital, an Apple authorised education specialist and reseller, approached us to partner on this project. They provided us with iPads and Sphero Indi robots, along with training on how to use them.&nbsp;</p><p>Together we launched a pilot to explore the impact of taking tech into ‘low tech’ schools that are social mobility cold spots, or that have a high number of students receiving free school meals. We have been working together to improve access to this technology, and to educate students about tech careers.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;Poppy Patel, our Learning Design and Delivery Officer, explains what happens in each session:&nbsp;</p><p>“I start each session by asking the children if they think they would like a career in technology in the future. The session then focuses on showing the children how technology is being used in areas relating to some of their hobbies and interests, including caring for the planet, sports, and entertainment and the arts. During the session, the children complete a range of fun and creative challenges linked to these areas using the iPads and Indi robots, and learn about related careers.&nbsp;</p><p>“I love seeing the children enjoying using the tech and realising that the things that they love could lead them into a technology career one day. When I ask the children who might like a career in technology at the end of the session, it’s great to see the difference that the session has made in changing their perceptions and showing them what’s out there!”</p><p>We have now visited five schools, and delivered our Tech Careers Inspiration session to over 250 Year 5 children in the West Midlands, and the results have been powerful. We’ve also had great feedback from teachers:</p><p>“Year 5 had the most amazing time during the #TechSheCan sessions. They learnt about careers in technology, worked at some coding challenge and created augmented reality images.” Year 5 teacher&nbsp;</p><p>“Highly engaging session which the children thoroughly enjoyed. It showed them a wide range of careers that they didn’t realise were out there and they were still talking about the car challenge days later.” Teacher&nbsp;</p><p>Alex Langton, Head of Marketing at MCC Digital said:&nbsp;</p><p>“We’re incredibly proud of the support we are providing for our first official charity partner Tech She Can. Ensuring they had the correct hardware was step one, but we wanted to maximise the impact of these sessions by providing key training to Poppy and her team, and we can already see some fantastic results! - we're looking forward to seeing what great things can be achieved with iPad and the incredible resources"</p><p>We are looking forward to completing the pilot early next year and building on its success with phase two. Sign up to our <a href="https://techshecan.org/tech-we-can#subscribe">newsletter</a> and follow us on social media for further updates.&nbsp;</p><p>Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TechSheCan">https://www.facebook.com/TechSheCan</a></p><p>LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/techshecan/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/techshecan/</a></p><p>Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/techshecan/">https://www.instagram.com/techshecan/</a></p><p>X/Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Tech_She_Can">https://twitter.com/Tech_She_Can</a></p>

"It was the best day because now I know what I'm going to be when I grow up."

Tech She Can and Bett announce their partnership for the Bett Show 2024 in London and the Bett Awards.

Tech She Can & Bett 2024 - A Powerful Partnership

<p>We are delighted to announce that we are officially a partner of the Bett Show, taking place at ExCeL London from 24 to 26 January 2024. We are also honoured to be the very first charity partner for the Bett Awards.&nbsp;</p><p>Our relationship with the Bett Show goes back a few years, when our team attended the show as delegates. They were so impressed by the scale and professionalism of the event. Thanks to support from our Strategic Partners, we were then able to host our own stand in 2020. We returned in 2023 and made some amazing connections - both with pupils, teachers and other organisations who share our missions.&nbsp; Our Co CEO also took part in a panel discussion about diversity in tech.&nbsp;</p><p>Taking part in the Bett Show has been one of the key factors in raising awareness of the work we do and in achieving 5x growth in our direct reach from 2022 to 2023. We are excited to see how our partnership will help this to grow even further!&nbsp;</p><p>We are also honoured to be the charity partner for the Bett Awards, which celebrate creativity and innovation in technology education. We have previously been shortlisted for an award, so we know how incredibly high the standard is!&nbsp;</p><p>We’d love to hear from you if you are attending. Please check out our <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/techshecan/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Tech_She_Can">X</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TechSheCan">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/techshecan/">Instagram</a>, or drop us an email at <a href="mailto:info@techshecan.org">info@techshecan.org</a>&nbsp;</p>

Hayley Duncan, TEKsystems Senior Marketing Exec, explains how alignment between the organisation's strategy our mission has led to an impactful strategic partnership.

GUEST BLOG: Inspiring The Next Generation - TEKsystems

<p><strong>In 2022 we were delighted to welcome TEKsystems onboard as a new Strategic Partner. Hayley Duncan, Senior Marketing Executive, shares the impact the partnership has had so far. </strong><br><br>At TEKsystems, we partner with organisations whose missions match our purpose – creating significant opportunity and fulfilment for our customers, consultants, and each other. We work side-by-side with organisations that engage with diverse groups of technology professionals, and we’re committed to leveraging our market position to foster a diverse pipeline of future technology talent.</p><div>Our passion for <a href="https://www.teksystems.com/en-gb/who-we-are/diversity-equity-inclusion-at-teksystems">Diversity, Equity and Inclusion</a> (DEI) extends beyond rhetoric. We have a three-pillar approach to DEI: workplace, workforce and marketplace. Partnerships, such as that with Tech She Can, enable us to drive our strategy forward within each of these pillars.&nbsp;<br><br></div><p><strong>Inspiring young people to get into technology<br></strong>As a strategic partner to Tech She Can, our aim is to support their mission to make sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to have a fulfilling career in technology, and for women to play a role in how our world works, looks, thinks and feels.&nbsp;<br><br>Since establishing the partnership in 2022, we’re proud to have already made an impact. With 13 trained and approved champions, TEKsystems have successfully delivered lessons and assemblies to more than 1,000 children across 15 schools throughout the UK, covering topics such as Technology in Gaming, Fashion, Space and Sports.<br><br></p><div>The feedback we’ve received from teachers has been very positive:<br><br></div><div><em>“STEM topics have become an increasingly important part of our curriculum, and the fast-moving development of technology means that it is crucial that children grow up comfortable working with different technologies and are able to adapt to new developments as they evolve. Through the STEM ambassadors programme, we were able to access Sarah and Hayley from Tech She Can who delivered excellent workshops based around the themes of technology in gaming and e-sports. This was particularly engaging for our pupils as it based their learning in a context with which they were familiar and introduced them to different prospective careers within technology.”<br></em>Rona F, Teacher, Rosewell Primary School, Edinburgh<br><br><br></div><div><em>“Lauren from Tech She Can delivered an extremely professional and engaging lesson which catered to the needs of all learners and left the children with a heightened sense of the opportunities for them in the technology world. The session was presented in a very interactive way, and I would highly recommend other schools to get involved in these sessions.”<br></em>Lizzie S, Teacher, Ark Swift Primary School, West London<br><br><br></div><div><strong>Champions for change<br></strong>Inspiring and educating children and young people about careers in technology wouldn’t be possible without the passion, enthusiasm and time volunteered by our team of champions. At TEKsystems, we <a href="https://www.teksystems.com/en-gb/who-we-are/values-and-culture">value Inclusion and Personal and Professional Growth,</a> therefore, becoming part of a wider Tech She Can champion network is an opportunity in which our people are delighted to be involved.<br><br>Hear what our champions have to say: <br><em>"It’s amazing to see the children get excited about what their futures could be. A lot of them had never considered a career in technology and it's really rewarding to think we're opening up a new potential career path for them. I was so inspired after delivering the lessons, and I can't wait to get back into schools and deliver more."<br></em><strong>Lauren Adams ~ </strong>Senior Communications Executive, London<br><br><br></div><div>Tech She Can is on a mission for an equal future. To inspire and shape a workplace where young people, especially girls, pursue technology careers and have equal opportunity to participate in all jobs of the future. We look forward to expanding our champion network and continuing to align our efforts with Tech She Can’s strategic priorities in 2024.<br><br></div><div><strong>About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services<br></strong>We accelerate business transformation for our customers. We bring real-world expertise to solve complex technology, business and talent challenges – across the globe. We’re a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We’re strategic thinkers, and hands-n collaborators, helping customers capitalise on change. We’re building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and driving positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company. Learn more at <a href="https://www.teksystems.com/en-gb/">TEKsystems.com<br></a><br></div>

“30 years ago half of people thought that men should go out to work and women should look after the home. Now, that’s 10%. But how slow has that been?! We don’t have time to wait when it comes to technology.”

We don't have time to wait when it comes to technology

<div><strong>&nbsp;“30 years ago half of people thought that men should go out to work and women should look after the home. Now, that’s 10%. But how slow has that been?! We don’t have time to wait when it comes to technology.”</strong> Sheridan Ash, Tech She Can Founder and Co CEO&nbsp;<br><br></div><div>Speaking at our recent birthday celebrations, Sheridan Ash explained that technology is reshaping our world, influencing every facet of our lives, from AI to robots and social media. We are a UK charity, on a mission to ensure that women and girls actively participate in and benefit from the tech revolution. As we celebrate our second year as a charity, we proudly share our significant impact in empowering women and bridging the gender gap in the tech sector.<br><br></div><div>Our Co-CEOs Sheridan Ash MBE and Dr. Claire Thorne, are dedicated to inspiring, educating and creating opportunities for women and girls in technology. Our ultimate goal is to address the UK's tech skills gap, which could be resolved by achieving gender parity in the tech industry.<br><br></div><div>"We believe our future will be better and brighter if we engage and inspire women and girls to create and use technology, so that it is more likely to benefit everyone,". With over 200 organizations from 40 sectors backing our mission, we are committed to creating a more diverse workforce and driving positive change in education, industry and policy.<br><br></div><div>This year, we have achieved remarkable milestones:<br><br></div><div><strong>Inspiring children</strong>: We directly reached 53,000 pupils in UK classrooms, focusing on social mobility by engaging schools in disadvantaged areas. Over 50% of the schools involved were located in such regions, showcasing the commitment to making tech education accessible to all.<br><br></div><div><strong>Live assemblies</strong>: Our introduction of live assemblies proved immensely popular, with more than 30,000 pupils experiencing it. We also expanded our educational outreach to primary-age children, teaching them about tech concepts like the cloud, AR, and VR.<br><br></div><div><strong>Empowering Women in Tech</strong>: We established an apprenticeship levy-sharing program. Through collective contributions from Strategic Partners, £1 million of "waste levy" was redirected to fund tech apprentices in SMEs and charities within our community. This initiative is helping women pivot or upskill, entering tech roles for the first time in their careers.<br><br></div><div><strong>Career insight days</strong>: We organised Career Insight Days, where groups of girls spend immersive days in tech organisations, meeting female role models and learning about different tech roles. These events transformed the girls' perception of tech careers, with 95% considering them exciting.<br><br></div><div><strong>Influencing change</strong>: We are actively shaping policy and best practices across the tech industry, education and the third sector. Our Co-CEOs have participated in high-profile events, given evidence in the House of Lords and been named among the most influential people in UK IT.<br><br></div><div><strong>Global Impact</strong>: Our resources have been translated into various languages and adapted for special education needs. They have even reached remote, rural areas in Africa through charitable partnerships.<br><br></div><div>"We see the opportunity to tackle simultaneously both the skills gap and the lack of diversity. Now, more than ever, representation matters," say our Co-CEOs.<br><br></div><div>With our commitment to raising awareness, influencing policy and inspiring women and girls in tech, We will continue to make a significant impact in shaping the future of technology in the UK.<br><br></div><div>To get involved and support our mission, visit our website, engage on social media using #ChangeTheRatio, or explore various ways to contribute and join our community.<br><br></div><div><a href="https://techshecan.org/our-impact">https://techshecan.org/our-impact<br></a><br></div><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Tech_She_Can">X/Twitter<br></a><br></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/techshecan/">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;<br><br></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TechSheCan">Facebook<br></a><br></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/techshecan/">Instagram<br></a><br></p><div><br>&nbsp;<br><br></div>