TAFE NSW is addressing the IT gender gap and helping women gain success in the booming industry, with hands-on qualifications allowing them to upskill and reskill.

Research shows women currently account for just under a third of Australian tech workers, yet the technology industry is one of the highest-employing sectors in the country.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Information Technology Jocelyn Sinha said more and more women are studying online across Australia and internationally through TAFE Digital to join the typically male-dominated IT industry.

“We’re seeing an increase in enrolments in the IT space, and an influx of women studying these courses. As a woman with an IT background myself, it’s great to see more and more female students taking advantage of the quality training we offer to advance their careers in the competitive yet rewarding industry,” Ms Sinha said.

“We’re continuing to work closely with industry partners to develop a high-quality curriculum to deliver a pipeline of highly skilled IT professionals into the future, and help level the playing field.”

Neutral Bay local Manisha Nebhani is currently studying an Advanced Diploma of Information Technology online through TAFE Digital, while working as a Product Manager at Kimberly-Clark.

After studying a Bachelor of Information Technology in her home country of India, she decided to upskill here in Australia to gain local industry knowledge.

“I’ve always had a passion for IT. In high school I always opted to study IT courses, and when I migrated to Australia in 2013 to build a new life, I was inspired to move to the strategy side of things,” Ms Nebhani said.

“I realised I needed to gain new skills to succeed, which is why I enrolled in the Advanced Diploma. Studying online has given me the flexibility I need to expand my knowledge and expertise, while working in the industry at the same time.

“My day-to-day role as a Product Manager involves helping Kimberly-Clarke to achieve success with their products by managing their website and overseeing the end-to-end integration of their systems.

“The course has given me technical skills and knowledge of the Australian landscape which I’ve been able to apply in my role. Because my teachers are industry experts, they’ve been able to share their own individual experience and knowledge which is incredibly useful.

“I’d strongly encourage other women to work in IT – it is a rewarding path with so many different types of roles available. It can also provide a pathway to leadership if that is something you are interested in.”

Media contact: Emma Hughes, Communications Specialist, 0409 618 291, emma.hughes51@tafensw.edu.au