Competition seeks to attract more women into IT

Women in Technology wants to dispel the nerdy image associated with IT roles

IT recruitment site Women in Technology has announced a new competition designed to encourage more women into technology careers.

The Rise of the Cyberella Competition has been launched in partnership with the National IT Learning Centre (NITLC), and will see one lucky entrant walk away with an IT training course worth £2,950.

The winner can decide the nature of the course, and the money could fund a design, technician or networking qualification. The NITLC is offering guidance and advice to help the winner choose.

Women in Technology believes that there are negative barriers to remove in the IT workplace, not least of all the "image" of the industry.

"How can we attract women, their knowledge and the qualities they bring? Maybe if we dispel the nerdy image wrongly associated with IT roles, and drag this image out of the 1970s and into the 21st century," the organisation said.

Maggie Berry, director of Women in Technology, believes that there are still not enough women in the IT industry.

"IT is a great place to work but we need more 'Cyberellas', women with strong IT skills and qualifications who will be a great asset to the industry as well as being role models to encourage more women to join the profession in the future," she said.

"This competition is a great way for us to give someone the opportunity to get a qualification that would usually cost a lot of money, and give them a helping hand in their career."

Entrants need to submit 100 words on why they deserve to be considered for the winning place. Entries must be in by 15 February.