Bursary launched to boost girls' interest in science and tech

Sunday 03 February 2019

A new bursary, combining a £1,500 award, work experience and support from female mentors, has been launched to inspire local girls into studying science, technology, engineering or maths at university.

Sure developed the bursary to help diversify the gender balance within the local telecoms and technology sectors as well as increase the island’s digitally skilled workforce.

One local student will receive £1,500 a year to support their studies over a three-year degree. Additionally, the student will undertake six weeks’ paid work experience at Sure every year throughout the bursary while receiving ongoing support from female mentors in senior positions at Sure. Students planning to go to university in September can apply for the bursary until the end of the month.

Lucienne De La Mare, HR director at Sure, said the bursary aims to inspire female students to consider "the great opportunities available through studying a STEM subject at university."

“We need more women in technology as, according to Women in Tech, female representation in the sector has stalled over the last decade," Ms De La Mare added. "Within telecoms and technology women make up just 22% of the UK workforce, according to the 2018 Labour Force survey."

Pictured: Lucienne De La Mare, HR director at Sure.

Ms De La Mare said that 28% of Sure employees are female but this only includes only 5% of the company's engineering and technical staff. 33% of Sure’s senior leadership roles are held by women. 

“Stereotypes and prejudice are sadly still hurdles that women have to overcome in the industry but our bursary, with paid work experience and ongoing support from female mentors at Sure to create an invaluable network of women working in tech, are just some of the ways that we are trying to break down these barriers," she added.

Tony Moretta, CEO of Digital Jersey, which recently submitted plans for a digital skills academy, commented: "It’s a landmark year for Jersey’s efforts to grow digital skills right across the island, which is why we are delighted to support Sure’s Women In Tech bursary scheme. 

“Skills development is going to be key to Jersey’s economic growth, and in the year we open the Digital Skills Academy, Sure’s new bursary is a great way of increasing the digital expertise and range of technology skills we have on the island to support our digital sector.”

Pictured: Sure is hoping to inspire girls to study STEM at university.

Sure, who also runs an Academy scheme giving school and college leavers the opportunity to gain practical training, an internationally recognised qualification and experience, will also be launching its first Graduate Scheme for local students interested in a digital career.

Graduates will receive practical training covering business areas such as cloud services and professional services and have the opportunity to study for professional qualifications over the two-year scheme. 

Ms De La Mare said Sure "actively encourages" young people to consider working in telecoms and technology. “The States of Jersey is actively working to develop a digital economy in the island so increasing the size of the talent pool to ensure we have the professionals to work in the variety of roles required will be vital," she explained. "This bursary will go some way to help equip our local workforce with the STEM-related skills needed.”

Graham Hughes, chief executive of Sure in Jersey, added: “We value diversity in our business and our goal with this bursary is to support and encourage women who want to pursue careers in the technology and engineering sectors."