Digital Futures is a program developed to raise students’ awareness of the diverse nature of career opportunities in the technology sector and promote STEM careers throughout Ireland. The program consists of an interactive presentation designed to be delivered in secondary schools and is ideally suited for Transition year students (Age 15-18), before they choose their Leaving Cert subjects. However, it may also be of interest to 5th and 6th year students who are considering their CAO choices. A number of CWIT member companies and partners deliver this program across Ireland, reaching in excess of 4,000 students each year.

CWIT has partnered with Teen-Turn, an organisation that works with girls from DEIS schools and disadvantaged communities, to identify girls with academic promise, placing them in ‘Teen-Turnships’ so they can picture themselves in Tech careers. Teen-Turn aims to influence course decision-making processes, inform participants on education and career options and combat stereotypes by strategically changing how girls identify with technology career environments through work placements and after school activities. As learning in the presence of female role models has been shown to impact girl’s self-image and confidence, encouraging girls to see themselves in new ways and stimulate new interests, female company representatives mentor Teen-Turn participants, perpetuating interest and enthusiasm. More girls exploring and gaining an interest in technology will lead to more women earning technology qualifications, thus meeting a demand for skills that is currently outpacing supply.

Tech Starter is a panel discussion style event organised by CWIT and delivered in universities to STEM students. The panel consists of members of the Early Careers committee who speak to students about their own personal experiences of working in STEM, what it’s like to work for a technology company and making the transition from university to the workplace. The aim of Tech Starter is reduce the numbers of female dropouts from STEM degrees and increase the number of students who enter STEM/technology roles after graduation.