The Internet holds a much greater attraction to men than women, according to new research published this week.
In a survey of 4,000 adults carried out by Research Surveys of Great Britain for the government, apparently 50 per cent of men in the UK have browsed the web, compared to 40 per cent of women. No news here, you might say; it's well-known that for a number of reasons men are more attracted to working with and using computers, but the government is so concerned that it's putting together a task force to help encourage women in particular to look closer at careers in information technology through stimulating what it terms 'a cultural change'. The Task Force will consist of representatives from the ICT industry, Higher and Further Education and the media, including the BBC, Sun Microsystems, IBM and the Open University.
Unveiling the figures, Learning and Technology Minister Michael Wills said: "There is also a need to make ICT more attractive to women and men who are currently lagging behind in acquiring the necessary skills. That is why the Government has set up the task force to make ICT careers more attractive and alleviate the severe skills gap. Women have a lot to offer, and the world of work benefits hugely from their input."
TrainingZONE says (with tongue firmly in cheek!): It's nice to hear such encouraging words from the Minister! The UK's female population should be pleased to hear their contribution to the world of work is properly appreciated...!
A government-sponsored event is running this month aimed at providing women interested in working with ICT with information about job opportunities. The Women Unlimited event takes place at Islington Design Centre on 13 February - for further details, visit www.womens-unit.gov.uk or telephone 0870 7511 484.
