INDUSTRY UNLOCKED
Currently , under 25 % of teachers report that they have never received initial or ongoing training in using technology , and under half of pupils have access to an iPad or laptop .
She added : “ Despite the fact technology is ever-present in young people ’ s lives , a lack of investment in hardware and teacher training is a huge barrier to supporting learning about technology .
“ Schools lack a basic understanding of technology , and pupils are not being taught the fundamentals of why tech is important , nor being shown the possibilities of a tech career .
“ As a mother with a daughter going through education , I see how girls are at a bigger disadvantage and are not pushed towards STEM subjects .
“ Given that girls are not starting STEM degrees , it is clear something is happening in the classroom that is excluding half of the kids .
“ I believe the curriculum is written with male dominance from the top down , which subtly influences the outcomes in the classroom .
“ While some industries have a natural tendency towards gender , such as construction which requires physical prowess , technology really should contain no such bias .
“ Something needs to change because what is happening now simply isn ’ t working and if it continues , there will be no women left to tell the younger generation that it was once possible for girls to work in IT .
“ Unfortunately , sexism in the industry starts at a young age , and more needs to be done at school to help girls engage with the idea of a career in technology .”
Women ’ s graduation rates in STEM disciplines during higher education are declining rapidly . In fact , at current rates , the share of women in tech roles in Europe is heading toward a decline to 21 % by 2027 . The major drop-off points for women in
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