Diversity in tech: How are we doing?

By Fay Capstick

The annual Diversity in Tech report from Wiley Edge (a reskilling training partner in the public and private sector) has been released, covering the UK, Canada, and the US. So what have we learned about diversity in our industry in the UK, and where are we heading? This will be what we are looking at this week to see what progress is being made.

Gen Z is the future

The report focuses on Gen Z, as they are the future of the industry. The report states that we need to do more to encourage Gen Z to join the industry. This is particularly important as this will be a booming sector of the economy as AI further develops. As we know, AI is a priority of the UK Government, which wants to make the UK a world leader.

What can be done?

Young people need to be aware of the opportunities in the tech industry. This can be done via careers advice in schools, colleges, and universities. Apprenticeships are also a great route into the industry and need to be better highlighted as a way to progress.

Re-skilling

Re-skilling is a great way to increase diversity in the industry, and this can be done at any age. This would massively increase diversity as it would enable people with non-traditional backgrounds to join an industry that they might not have been aware had opportunities for them. Everything possible should be done to publicise this way of entering the industry for people of all ages.

What does Gen Z think?

The Wiley Edge report shows that only 39% of Gen Z workers think that the tech industry has a reputation for being male-dominated. This is extremely positive as it means that the reputation of the industry of being non-diverse is improving. It also means that it is more likely that younger workers will not be prejudiced by a perceived lack of diversity in an industry that they might want to work in.

Hard to break into

One big hurdle that Gen Z workers felt was holding them back from joining the industry was the chance to get their first role (62% felt this). One way around this is the apprenticeship route, which will hopefully lead to a full-time position or an excellent addition to a CV showing both education and industry experience.

Apprenticeships are especially important as employers report that it is hard to find tech workers, and new tech workers find it hard to get their first job. Apprenticeships and other similar schemes should make life easier for employers and potential employees. These opportunities need to be better signposted.

New tech workers should also be made aware that there are tech jobs in all sectors, not just at big names like Meta and Google. Tech jobs are literally everywhere and in businesses of all sizes and areas of the country.

Are degrees needed?

Not necessarily. However, there is a problem, in that 70% of employers are biased towards job candidates with a degree from a top-ranked university, and 27% hire exclusively from top universities. In the UK this would be the Russell Group.

A degree from a Russell Group University is great, but it might not make someone the best candidate for the job, and it is unlikely to help with diversification within the industry as a whole. This is a practice that we think needs to change.

Why remote working helps

Remote working is a huge plus point when trying to create a diverse workforce. Remote workers can be anywhere, which can help even out disadvantages due to location and socio-economic background. It can also help to bring more opportunities to disabled workers and those with caring duties. New younger workers coming into the industry will expect to be offered this after seeing it become so common during COVID-19.

More can always be done

Even though change is slowly coming into the tech industry, more can always be done to ensure that the widest possible pool of talent is recruited and given a chance to build their careers. As we have seen in previous blogs, good recruitment practices can help, such as blind CV reviewing and ensuring that job adverts' wording is neutral.

Final thoughts

At Parker Shaw, we have been at the forefront of the sector we serve, IT & Digital Recruitment and Consulting, for over 30 years. We can advise you on all your hiring needs.

If you are looking for your next job in the IT sector please check our Jobs Board for our current live vacancies at https://parkershaw.co.uk/jobs-board