Seventy-five girls from four area secondary schools gathered at Oundle to attend a day-long technology initiative organised by Cyber Girls First to promote careers in cybersecurity, coding and technology.
Led by founder Pat Ryan CBE, a team of technologists from JP Morgan, Cisco Systems, Colt Technology and The Security Company talked about their careers progression, the rewarding nature of their work and the employment opportunities for women in the field.
With activities throughout the day, the girls enjoyed testing their cyber skills in cracking codes, robotics, security and hacking games, and had the opportunity for round-table discussions with the industry experts.
After a career as an economist and management consultant, Pat Ryan CBE founded Cyber Girls First ten years ago to inspire girls to consider careers in technology to help to meet the UK’s growing need for skilled workers in a field where women currently make up just 17%.
The event was organised by the Oundle, Peterborough and East Northants (OPEN) Learning Partnership, involving pupils from Kettering Buccleuch Academy, Thomas Deacon Academy, Prince William School and Oundle School.