Dublin City University (DCU) is running its ComputeTY programme for transition-year students for the eighth year in a row now, but this time around it’s trying to woo more females into the programme.
“It is well known that women are under-represented in the tech world – in order to do our part to promote computer science as an exciting and creative career option for girls, this year we have also made a concerted effort to encourage greater female participation in the programming stream,” said Dr Jennifer Foster, academic adviser for the programme.
ComputeTY, which runs over a three-week period in January and February, will also have a greater emphasis on the programming stream this year, Foster said.
The course structure is divided into Stream 1 (web design) and Stream 2 (an introduction to programming). The overall content offers a range of computing skills, from the creative aspect of website design to the problem-solving challenges of the programming stream, according to DCU.
DCU also said the ComputeTY programme has managed to recruit new students into the Faculty of Engineering and Computing.
“Considering the IT skills gap in Irish industry, it is important we continue to encourage them into computing and digital technology,” Foster said.
Each week, about 150 students attend the ComputeTY, which is run by the DCU School of Computing, in conjunction with the Centre for Next Generation Localisation (CNGL).
ComputeTY launched in 2005 and since then some 3,500 transition-year students from Dublin schools have completed the programme.
The course enables students to not only develop practical computing skills but also gain certification from DCU for their work.
International keynotes and local leaders will discuss Ireland’s challenges and opportunities in the global battle for talent at the Future Jobs Forum on 8 February at The Convention Centre Dublin.
Woman programmer image via Shutterstock
