WYK Digital’s Post

A World-First Study of the Tech Workforce in Australia Who should Participate? This study is for everyone who forms the backbone of the Australian tech workforce. Companies can confidentially submit their expressions of interest. We invite organisations to share this study with their tech workforce. Survey participants can be workers from a non-tech background, such as marketing and sales. They can be interns, contractors, managers, executives, part of the C-Level suite. Their experiences and perspectives are invaluable to painting a comprehensive picture of diversity in our technology workforce. https://lnkd.in/gKifqvha

We really need to improve the pipeline of young talent, especially those with disadvantaged backgrounds going into tech!! "Work experience is one of the big things I’m looking at, specifically year 10 work experience. My report lays out eight things that we really need to do to improve the pipeline of young talent, especially those with disadvantaged backgrounds going into tech, and number one is more year 10 work experience programs within tech! When I speak about work experience programs, I don't mean just your local tech employer ringing on someone because, albeit that's good, I'm not saying that should stop. More tech employers I think should do that. But that is much more accessible to people that just have connections there, what about the others?'' This is a fascinating episode with our latest guest Henry Jones. Henry and Alicia Teagle discuss social mobility, the South West peninsular, diversity in tech and some ideas on how to close the ever growing digital skills gap in the UK! Dropping on Wednesday 5th June. 🎙 #techforgood #impact #socialmobility #southwest

🌟 LinkedIn Best DEIA Practices – September Edition 🌟 The EEOC’s newly released report, “High Tech, Low Inclusion: Diversity in the High Tech Workforce and Sector (2014-2022),” highlights that more innovative approaches are needed to foster true diversity and inclusion in the high tech industry. Here are four new and creative strategies you can implement today to drive lasting change! 💡 1. Anonymous Innovation Challenges 🤖: Create anonymous innovation competitions that focus solely on the ideas—not the person behind them. This ensures diverse talent is recognized for their contributions, removing bias and opening doors for underrepresented groups in tech. 2. AI Bias Audits for Job Descriptions 📝: Use AI tools to scan job descriptions for biased language or patterns that unintentionally exclude diverse candidates. Going further, audit the AI used in hiring processes to ensure it’s helping—not hindering—diverse hiring efforts. 3. Cross-Domain Skill Swap Programs 🔄: Foster collaboration between tech and non-tech professionals in your network by creating skill swap opportunities. This exposes underrepresented workers to tech roles and encourages diverse ways of thinking and problem-solving. 4. Equity-Based Resource Allocation 🎓: Advocate for allocating professional development resources based on historical access. Prioritize opportunities like certifications or specialized training for underrepresented groups to help them grow in tech careers. Let’s continue pushing for a truly inclusive tech future that fosters innovation from all backgrounds. Together, we can ensure that diversity isn’t just a talking point but a driver of progress! 🚀 #DEI #Innovation #InclusiveTech #AIForDiversity #EEOC #TechIndustry #Leadership #DiversityMatters Sources:  https://lnkd.in/eBrTs8us https://lnkd.in/eJZFHcZM

When it comes to the perception that you need a degree to work in tech, the truth is that there are many other ways in besides traditional higher education. As we work to address the tech skills gap, highlighting how people can enter the sector through alternative routes is crucial.   Our new report in our #DrivingDigitalDiversity series found that traditional degrees were only one of many routes that those currently working in tech, illustrating that there are numerous pathways available to be utilised. Download your copy of the report to find out more about #AlternativeRoutesIntoTech and what the industry can do to attract greater volumes of diverse talent. #DEI #DiversityInTech

Misconceptions about necessary qualifications and the influence of education on career choices are significant factors deterring talent from entering the tech sector. Despite these barriers, there is a strong interest in tech careers. For those currently outside the sector, the top ranked motivating factors for switching to a career in tech were the higher than average earning potential, flexible or hybrid working opportunities and being offered additional financial support to pursue IT and technology training. Our new report in the #DrivingDigitalDiversity’ series looks at alternative routes into tech and what the industry can do to attract greater volumes of diverse talent. Download your copy now ➡ https://lnkd.in/eEZtce8h #Diversity #DEI #DiversityandInclusion #TechDiversity

We really need to improve the pipeline of young talent, especially those with disadvantaged backgrounds going into tech! 👊🏼 I'm really excited about this episode, there's so much epic stuff included and lots of small wins that local companies could do to support the next gen in tech! I sat down with Henry Jones from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to discuss loads around social mobility, the South West peninsular, diversity in tech and some ideas on how to close the ever growing digital skills gap in the UK! "Work experience is one of the big things I’m looking at, specifically year 10 work experience. My report lays out eight things that we really need to do to improve the pipeline of young talent, especially those with disadvantaged backgrounds going into tech, and number one is more year 10 work experience programs within tech!‘’ Dropping on Wednesday 5th June. 🎙 Tech4Good South West 💚 #techforgood #impact #socialmobility #southwest

📣 Calling All Employers: Help Shape the Future of Tech Talent! 📣 Speakers for Schools are a leading work experience and social mobility charity focusing on bringing opportunities to disadvantaged students. Are you ready to help us to support the next generation of tech innovators? Join us in offering tech-themed work experience and insight sessions. 🌱 💡WFH? No office? No problem! These sessions can be run virtually too! Did you know that currently, only 9% of tech employees come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and 29% are female or non-binary? 😬 🤯 These are one of many reasons why we are delighted to be partnered with The HG Foundation to offer over 10,000 opportunities for young people this academic year – but we need your help! Here's just a taster of why you should get involved: 🚀 Inspire and Develop Future Talent You have the power to ignite passion and develop essential skills in the next generation. Through real-world experience, participants gain insight, confidence, and hands-on skills that classrooms alone can’t provide. 👥 Diverse Ideas and Fresh Perspectives Tech is ever-evolving. By bringing in young, enthusiastic minds, you get access to unique perspectives and ideas that can help your business stay agile and relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. 💡 Boost Your Employer Brand Companies that prioritise development can attract top talent. Showing that you're committed to future growth and inclusivity can enhance your reputation as an employer of choice. Here’s your chance to participate in a programme that’s already funded so there’s no cost to you but it will make a real impact. Just pop me a message and we can chat things through 😊 #TechCareers #FutureWorkforce #WorkExperience #InclusionInTech #Innovation Mike Rigby Lorna P. techUK BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT Next Tech Girls Emma Thornton Local Government Social Value and Sustainability Sector Lead, AIEMA Sue Owen-Bailey MCIM CMktr Ian Cooper Melody Clarke

From Passion to Profession: Explore our Trend Report to understand how the next generation views tech careers and what we can do to ensure every talent has a chance to thrive.💡 Key insights include: Girls' Interest in Tech Careers Drops by 50% Compared to Boys. Only 39% of Girls Interested in Tech Pursue it as a Career Path Despite Enthusiasm. The report uncovers the gender gap in tech interest and the influence of factors like diversity, role models, and work-life balance on their aspirations. It also provides practical strategies for businesses and educators to close the gap and inspire the tech leaders of tomorrow. Join us in creating more inclusive tech environments. Download the report now 👉 https://ow.ly/mrpt50TFthQ

Breaking Barriers or Temporary Fixes? The Reality of Reschooling Female Talent is all about the GLASS CLIFF. At Alyx, we’ve spent years challenging the status quo by reschooling women into tech roles. During the height of the tech talent shortage, companies saw the value in expanding their talent pools. Our reschooling programs thrived as businesses looked to us for innovative solutions to close the talent gap. It was a time of experimentation, a moment where the doors to tech careers opened wider for women than ever before. And we see fantastic results! ✅ More than 50 women kickstarted their careers in tech with us ✅ 98% of our Alyx Alumna are still working in tech But now, as the market settles, we’re seeing the same old excuses creep back in. Companies claim they “just want to hire the best people.” Yet, the so-called ‘best people’ look suspiciously white and male. The willingness to invest in diverse talent has waned, and we’re reminded of the “glass cliff” effect: women and other minority groups are brought into the fold during times of crisis or uncertainty, only to be sidelined when stability returns. It’s an unsettling reminder that progress all too often feels conditional. At Alyx, we’re committed to more than filling short-term gaps. We believe that diverse talent is essential to long-term success, not just a temporary solution. We’re here to build sustainable, equitable pathways in tech—pathways that remain open, regardless of the market’s ups and downs. Real change means investing in diverse talent beyond times of urgency. Let’s move past the glass cliff and create enduring opportunities that benefit everyone. Malou Akkerman Diem Do Bente Knoppers Vera Klotz #DiversityInTech #Alyx #EqualOpportunities #Reschooling

93% of UK businesses say there is an IT skills gap and yet only 2% of UK tech workers are from a black-heritage background and only 13% of UK tech leaders are female. Last month Eviden and the Defra DDTS (Digital, Data, Technology and Security) team came together to host the 'Diversifying the Digital Skills Gap' event alongside other government departments and WithYouWithMe. The digital skills gap is putting diversity and inclusion at the forefront as organisations need to unlock the talent within underrepresented groups in technology to reach a wider pool of skills. Building a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face, we are working together to improve our approach to future skills development, support and progression. #DigitalSkillsGap #GrowTogether #Diversity