Online electrical retailer AO.com has launched a new ‘Women in Tech’ group, designed to educate others about diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
Recruiting for over 100 new tech roles this year, the eCommerce firm launched the group to encourage women to consider a career in technology.
The 25-strong group met for the first-time this week to share ideas and discuss challenges, the firm said.
The group now intends to partner with local schools and colleges so that IT careers are actively promoted.
Recommendations from the Women in Tech group will also be used to shape AO’s approach to IT recruitment.
AO.com software developer Jane Lawson, who chairs the Women in Tech group said it was great to see employer invest time in the issue.
“We are exploring ways to improve diversity and inclusion across the industry, with a particular focus on addressing the low levels of women working in the industry,” she said.
“Through various talks and events as well as working more closely with local schools, we hope to inspire and young children to become involved in tech from a younger age.”
Several members of the group also volunteer as STEM ambassadors at events organised by STEM Learning, the UK’s largest provider of education and careers support in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
AO’s STEM ambassadors are planning to host their own events in the future to inspire and engage young people to get involved in technology.