MYOB announces free coding classes to upskill women in STEM

18 Sep 2018

MYOB has today launched its Women In STEM research which shows that while more than 50 percent of Australians agree that women’s lack of STEM skills will impact the gender wage gap in the future, only 14 percent of people plan to up skill in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

In response, MYOB has announced it will host two free coding classes for women, run by Coder Academy, in Melbourne and Sydney. This is along with its launch of the developher program, a scholarship for women from other career backgrounds, or returning to work, to venture into a career in technology.

The developher program is one part of MYOB’s “Future Makers Academy” and reflects its commitment to contributing to the pipeline of future engineering talent. In addition, MYOB is initiating work with schools in the local area to encourage young women to consider STEM subjects when they are making academic choices.

Chief Employee Experience Officer, Helen Lea, said MYOB is proud to be making progress in workplace equality and diversity.

“According to the Australian Office of the Chief Scientist, a mere 16% of Australian STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) qualified people are female and just 20% of technology workers in Victoria are women, compared to 46% among the broader Victorian workforce,” Ms. Lea said.

“In the future there will be more focus on jobs in technology and technology will play an increasing part in all roles.

MYOB’s Women In STEM research showed:

  • Over 75% of Australians agreed that there was still a significant gender wage gap in Australia, but men were much less likely to agree. Only 47% of men agreed with the statement whereas  three quarters of women (76%) agreed there is a significant gender wage gap in Australia.
  • 75% of women surveyed agree the jobs of the future will require more STEM skills.
  • Over 50% of Australians agree that women’s lack of STEM skills will impact the gender wage gap in the future.
  • Only 14% of Australians have plans to upskill in STEM technologies in the future
  • Australians under the age of 45 have the most concern about not having STEM skills for the jobs of the future.

“At MYOB we’re committed to creating an environment where all of our employees can thrive, and we pride ourselves on our inclusive workplace,” Ms. Lea said.

“Having a diverse workforce skilled to deliver on our purpose of “helping businesses succeed” is critical to our future success.  Within this we are particularly committed to increasing the representation of women in our organization, in leadership and in technology roles in particular.

“Currently 43% of our workforce is female, and women have made up half of all of our recruitment for this year so far.  This is a significant achievement for the tech sector, but we acknowledge that we still have more work to do.”

Free coding classes will take place in Melbourne and Sydney on 23rd Oct Melbourne MYOB Office 167 Cremorne St, Richmond 3121 and 25th Oct Sydney Coder Academy Level 2, 7 Kelly St, Ultimo 2007.

Places are limited, to register go to:

https://coderacademy.edu.au/learn-to-code/creative-coding-for-women-myob.

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For further comment or other information please contact:

Selina Ife, Media Relations Consultant, MYOB
M: 61 488 044 237 / E: selina.ife@myob.com

 

About MYOB
MYOB Group Ltd (ASX: MYO) is a leading provider of online business management solutions. MYOB makes business life easier for approximately 1.2 million businesses across Australia and New Zealand by simplifying accounting, payroll, tax, practice management, CRM, job costing, inventory and more. MYOB operates across four strategic segments – Small to Medium sized businesses (SMEs), Practices (accountants, advisers and bookkeepers), Enterprise (larger businesses) and Payments. It provides ongoing support via many client service channels including a network of over 40,000 accountants, bookkeepers and other consultants. MYOB is committed to ongoing innovation and delivering efficiencies and growth opportunities for its growing client base across Australia and New Zealand.  For more information, visit http://investors.myob.com.au/Investors or follow @MYOB on Twitter.