• BBC scheme to encourage women into software engineering
  • BBC CTO says there is a lack of women in engineering roles
  • 14-week programme to cover front end and back end skills

women in software engineering shutterstock

The BBC has launched a scheme to encourage more women to pursue a career in software engineering.

The Step into Tech programme, which the broadcaster ran as a pilot last year, aims to equip women with the skills they need to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated part of the industry.

The BBC said the scheme has been designed for women who may be returning to work after a break, college leavers and career changers.

BBC chief technology and product officer Matthew Postgate said: “We want to ensure that everyone can shape the future of technology so that everyone can benefit.

“Women are underrepresented in the sector overall and the BBC, like many other employers in the industry, want to change this. This scheme gives the perfect grounding to women from all walks of life for a new career in technology.”

The 14-week programme will include an “immersive week” of training to provide an overview of the tech industry, understanding the fundamentals of computer science, developing problem solving skills. The curriculum will also cover front end skills, including HTML, CSS, responsive design and an introduction to React, as well as back end such as an introduction to cloud (AWS), databases and backend technologies. Those who take part in the scheme will also undertake a project to demonstrate the ability to apply learning to personally create a project application.

For more information and to apply visit Step into Tech