Havering cracks the code to supporting young women in tech
Over 100 female students from seven local schools took part in the Havering Young Entrepreneurs Programme to help develop their digital and entrepreneurial skills.
Tech-savvy students flocked to the Havering Young Entrepreneurs Program last Tuesday (24 September 2019) for an event that aimed to inspire and motivate young women to develop their IT and coding skills, support and aspire women in the tech sector and empower students to envisage what can be achieved from a career within the digital landscape.
Funded by Havering Council, in partnership with CEME and the Mayor of London, the pupils took part in a series of workshops, demonstrations and heard talks from leading women working in the technology industry.
These included Gen Ashley, the Founder of Tech(K)now and the Ambassador of Google Women Techmakers and Amelia Kallman, a prominent London Futurist and Author.
Demonstrations featuring VR and AR from Zapper and Inition wowed the students and at end of the programme, the students took the opportunity to quiz the speakers during a panel discussion and understand core aspects about forging a successful career in the tech sector.
Darren Pendred from Redden Court School:
“This was an incredible opportunity for our pupils to hear from some influential women in technology about their careers and how they have achieved it. Students had their eyes opened to potential career options and were inspired to follow their ambitions to work in the tech industry, as well as given the chance to develop the core skills they need to do so.”
Bill Williams, CEO of CEME, commented:
“It’s vital that CEME is an ongoing part of maintaining Havering as a hotbed of digital talent. The Young Entrepreneurs Programme gave ambitious young women the opportunity to not only enhance their skills, but hear from inspirational women in technology to grow their desire to succeed in the industry.”
Helen Oakerbee, Assistant Director for Planning at Havering Council, and speaker at the event said:
“It was an inspiring day and one Havering Council is proud to have delivered. Seeing so many students from the Havering area inspired about the opportunities available in the technology field is very encouraging for the future and we are pleased to be able to provide this opportunity to young women as an ongoing partnership with CEME and the Mayor of London’s team.”