26.09.14
NR partnership encourages girls to pursue tech-related careers
Maggie Philbin, BBC Tomorrow's World presenter and technology broadcaster and TeenTech founder, has partnered with Network Rail to help launch the second year of the organisation’s award-winning Could IT Be You? competition.
The competition for girls was set up in 2013 by the company’s chief information officer, Susan Cooklin, after she raised concerns about the rapid slide in the number of women entering the UK's IT sector.
Cooklin said: “This competition is a great way to help young women realise what a career in IT is really about and the fantastic career opportunities that a company like Network Rail can offer.”
The Could IT Be You? competition is open to girls aged 16-18 and asks them to explain how technology can improve their lives and make things better. The winner gets their first year of university fees paid for by Network Rail, and with three runners up, two weeks paid work experience and mentoring with the company’s IT team.
However, getting someone like Philbin on board will only promote the event and issue even further.
The broadcaster said: “With the world of technology, and the opportunities within it, hurtling forward at lightning speed – it is so important that we support girls getting into IT careers and show how they too can help drive this industry forward.”
Network Rail will also take part in events organised by TeenTech, which runs lively one-day events to help the 'X Factor' generation understand their true potential and the technology opportunities available in the modern workplace.
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