Govt puts up $270k to help young women into tech sector careers

The Government has invested $270,000 into Shadow Tech Days, a technology mentoring programme, in an effort to inspire ore young women get into the tech scene.

Youth Minister Nikki Kaye says the investment will help young Kiwi women experience what it is like to work in a technology role.

"This programme, run by NZ Tech, connects participants with women working in the tech sector, as well as women studying technology at a tertiary level," says Kaye.

"By spending a day in the workforce, participants get to experience first-hand what it's like to work in a technology role," she explains.

Kaye says ongoing mentoring and advice is also provided through contact with a tertiary student, to help participants progress their studies towards a tech career.

The investment is being made under the Partnership Fund, which sees the Government co-invest with business, philanthropic, iwi and other partners to grow youth development opportunities, Kaye explains.

The contribution will see the government invest $75,000 in Shadow Tech Days, complemented by around $25,000 from NZ Tech towards programme management, and over $170,000 of staff time from participating technology firms.

To date, Shadow Tech Days has been run in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The Partnership Fund investment will enable it to reach more young women in these areas, and also expand its reach to Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North and Dunedin.

"Time spent with a mentor and seeing how things operate in the actual workforce can be hugely beneficial to inspiring young people's potential career path," says Kaye.

"The experiences this programme delivers are about building the confidence of young women, and equipping them with the knowledge and support to make positive decisions about their future," she says.

Shadow Tech Days is scheduled to take place during Techweek (6-14 May 2017).