Publicis-owned Digitas UK is ramping up its efforts to inspire the next generation of diverse tech talent to the industry by extending its partnership with social enterprise Next Tech Girls to #SmashTheStereotype.
Digitas, which offers creativity, data, strategy, technology, media and experience design to deliver immersive customer experiences, wants to give young students an opportunity to go behind the scenes to understand what an agency career could be like.
Next Tech Girls aims to tackle the skills and gender gaps in the industry by partnering with companies and educational institutions to host inspiring tech-focused events and work experience placements for teenage girls, with a focus on those from lower socio-economic or ethnic minority backgrounds.
Digitas ran its first work experience week with a cohort of year 10 students in January 2023, engaging participants through practical assignments, workshops and guest speakers. Its second work experience placement is scheduled to take place this summer.
Last week, Digitas ran online event in partnership with Next Tech Girls for more than 500 students from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds in years eight and nine across the UK.
The online workshop focused on problem solving, giving participants insight into the various challenges tech teams tackle. As part of the programme, students worked on a live client brief and heard from a panel of women working in tech, including at Digitas.
Digitas UK chief executive Jen Berry said: “We need more women in tech and are thrilled to be working with Next Tech Girls, supporting their ambitions to #SmashTheStereotype.
“Our industry is nothing without talented people, so it is important that we reach future talent to help them understand the career opportunities available.
“Ultimately, our goal is to end bias and discrimination and get more women working in tech and the creative industries. A unique part of this partnership and a direct benefit to our clients is the invaluable opportunity to engage with the future generation on real client briefs.”
Next Tech Girls director Emily Hall-Strutt added: “Despite decades of progress towards equality in the workplace, women remain underrepresented in the UK tech industry, making up only 26% of workers.
“We know that the problem starts early, with girls losing interest in tech-related school subjects at a young age.
“Partnering with organisations like Digitas helps us showcase to young women the possibilities of working in tech, especially to make a positive impact in the world, which our research has shown is important to them.”
Related stories
Agencies boost D&I as IPA Census maps out new era
People Like Us ethnicity pay gap: What’s the hold up?
Firms urged to help minorities but warned ‘be genuine’
Brands still failing on inclusion and authenticity in ads
Mad world: Top marketing role seen as ‘man’s work’
Women ‘conditioned to feel less deserving than men’
