IT Girls Allowed is an event hosted and organised by Barclaycard, designed to inspire Key Stage3 girls to consider IT as one of their chosen subjects for GCSE, and possibly even a career in the field. A group of Year 9 students attended the event and enjoyed a day of information and challenges based around robotics, coding and encryption. Having the opportunity to visit adynamic and company like Barclaycard is always sure to inspire. Students were able to observe how employees conduct themselves at work, providing them with vital careers awareness contributing to their own personal development.
Students also received a talk from Barclaycard apprentice who is now in the second year of her apprenticeship and is aware of the fantastic possibilities available as a woman working in IT.
Year on year, fewer children are choosing IT as a GCSE subject which is having a direct impact on the number of young people choosing a career in IT when they leave education. This challenge impacts both sexes but is particularly prevalent for girls. The aim of trips and events like this is to open up new industries and careers to our young people so that they become aware of the wide range of pathways available.