Dr Rhys Morgan, Director of Engineering and Education at the Royal Academy of Engineering, says:
“This timely report from the Inclusive Tech Alliance shows how important increasing diversity in the tech sector is to addressing current and future skills needs. It highlights the importance of engineering and computing skills to high value sectors in the UK and the need to ensure that more young people from under-represented backgrounds are encouraged to pursue these subjects. The answers to many of the challenges presented lie with employers: providing role models and mentoring to young people at formative stages of their education; opening their recruitment processes to a wider range of applicants; and providing flexibility in workplace practices to encourage returners and provide fairer opportunities for promotion and career progression of women and other under-represented groups. We must work together as a community to make these happen and ensure the success of our industries in the 21st century.”