E.X.I.T.Eing Careers in ICT for Young Women

E.X.I.T.Eing Careers in ICT for Young Women


Media release - 18 September 2006

The Bracks Government wants to encourage more of Victoria’s best and brightest women to join the lucrative and exciting technology sector, Information Communication and Technology (ICT), Marsha Thomson said today.

The Government has part-funded the Exploring Interests in Technology and Engineering (E.X.I.T.E) camp for girls being run by the Committee for Ballarat, in conjunction with IBM and the University of Ballarat.

From today through to Thursday, 24 girls from secondary schools in the Ballarat area will use the University of Ballarat's ICT facilities to engage in ICT-related activities including website design, forensics and crime investigation, animation, and robots.

"Over the past decade, women have consistently comprised less than 25 percent of the ICT workforce, so we want to see more of our clever, inventive and creative young women working in the technology industry," Ms Thomson said.

"The camp is an invaluable opportunity for the girls to gain practical insights into the incredible variety of interesting and rewarding careers they can pursue as ICT specialists.

"It will also aimed to open young female students eyes to the possibilities and benefits to be gained from studying the maths and sciences."

"The Bracks Government wants to ensure that Victoria's ICT students receive the best education and skills preparedness. To this end, the Government has a range of programs designed to build a strong ICT workforce."

The Victorian Government's $1.9 million scholarships package targets ICT skills development with scholarships for talented ICT undergraduates and postgraduate students, as well as funding support for tertiary institutes to develop strong industry links and offer additional industry-based learning opportunities for students.

"With the growing demand for new products and services, future job opportunities will continue to rise, which is why we are investing in the ICT: Start Here Go Anywhere careers campaign, and supporting the Women in ICT Network," Ms Thomson said.

Supported by $82,000 in Government funding, the Women in ICT Network is a collaborative effort between the Government, industry and the education section. The network has three primary goals; to retain women in the industry; and to enable women to achieve threir full potential within their career.