Sky Launches 'Get into Tech' Training for Women

LONDON -- Sky is launching a brand new training programme – ‘Get into Tech’ - to provide free specialist training for women seeking careers in technology. With the significant lack of gender diversity within this industry, Sky’s initiative aims to provide a unique and supportive environment in which women can learn some of the necessary skills to begin a career in the tech field.

Beginning in April, Sky will offer these free training courses for up to 60 women per year. In recognition of the need for flexible working arrangements for some target groups – including unemployed single mums, and mums returning to work - a range of course structures will be made available, from full-time to both part-time and evening courses. The programme, which has been designed in partnership with technology training specialists, will include courses in software development, testing and integration, as well as soft skills development and job preparation.

Technology at Sky is central to creating the very best viewing experience for customers, recently playing an integral role in the launch of Sky Q, as well as software updates on both the Sky+ and NOW TV platforms. Along with this, Sky is committed to gender balanced teams in the knowledge they create a better working environment and ultimately produce better products and services. However, fewer women than men currently choose to pursue qualifications or careers in technology. Sky’s ‘Get into Tech’ programme therefore aims to increase the number of women in the pool of talent from which technology roles are recruited from.

Elaine Bucknor, Director for Group Technology Strategy, Security & Planning commented: “Our ‘Get into Tech’ training courses aim to address the real and well-recognised issue of too few females working in technology. For women who are just starting out, changing or returning to their careers, and who may not have otherwise considered technology jobs, the programme will help them build the skills they need to enter the industry. As technology continues to evolve and become an ever important part of our lives, I’m proud that at Sky we’re heralding a new age of women into tech.”

Jeremy Darroch, Group Chief Executive, commented: “Technology is at the heart of our business and we need the very best talent to continue to create the best products and experiences for our customers. We are fully committed to a diverse workforce, and believe this initiative will not only help Sky, but the whole tech industry, have access to a bigger and better pool of talent.”

In recognition of the programme’s support to the whole tech industry, Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP commented: “I am delighted that Sky is working to support women in technology training, through their new ‘Get into Tech’ initiative. We know that traditionally too few women have been encouraged into STEM subjects, so Sky’s work to nurture the talent pipeline is incredibly welcome”.

Although students will not obtain a formal qualification, Sky’s ‘Get into Tech’ programme will equip them with a portfolio of skills to boost their CVs and support their job searches. Women who complete the course will be able to apply for jobs at Sky or for a place on Sky’s seven-month Software Engineering Academy. Alternatively, they will be free to use their skills to pursue opportunities elsewhere in the industry.

Sky