This year, the Midlands Women in Tech awards will take place on 7th October. This event is designed to empower and celebrate the many talented women in the region’s vibrant tech industry.
We are so proud to announce that two of our software development apprentices have been shortlisted as finalists for the Apprenticeship Award.
Meet Our Finalists:
Bethany Smith
Bethany is currently working as a Junior Programmer at Handsam Ltd, whilst completing her Level 3 Software Development Technician apprenticeship.
Bethany is responsible for daily system checks to ensure Handsam’s users have access to company systems. She is also in charge of server backups, which include twice weekly database and file backups. Bethany has gone from strength to strength in her role at Handsam, maintaining and improving systems on back-end and front-end with new features and fixing bugs users encounter.
Katie Malcolm, Bethany’s Programme Coach said the following regarding Bethany’s apprenticeship journey:
“Beth is making amazing progress in all elements of her apprenticeship and her day to day role. Beth always gives 110% in her assessment tasks and the work that she submits is of a fantastic quality. It’s clear that she loves her job and has a passion for the Software Development industry. Keep up the great work Beth!”
Shannan O’Neill-Kendall
Shannan is currently working for Watches of Switzerland whilst also undertaking her Level 3 Software Development Technician apprenticeship
Shannan got her start in the tech industry after completing a 2-week placement. Shannan impressed the team with her motivation and courage to understand the business and develop her skills that Watches of Switzerland offered her the opportunity to complete a Software Development apprenticeship programme. She has subsequently had the chance to develop her experience in coding and data management.
We caught up with Shannan’s Programme Coach, Jane Ridley, who shared her thoughts about Shannan’s nomination:
“Shannan was pretty quiet when she first started her apprenticeship and I have loved watching her develop and grow and find her passion for software development. Shannan receives glowing feedback from the trainers on the courses that she has attended and from her manager who has been instrumental in Shannan’s progress. I love working with both Shannan and Mark!”
The Future is Female: Celebrating Women in Tech
Promoting a gender balanced workforce within the tech sector is something we are passionate about at Baltic Apprenticeships.
In the UK, only 17% of those working in technology are women, and fewer than 20% of IT roles are filled by women. However, organisations like Baltic and the Women in Tech Awards are looking to change these figures.
Did you know that 77% of tech director roles are filled by men? At Baltic, we support and train the next generation of tech leaders, championing women and girls within the industry, and working with our incredible employers to increase female representation across the tech industry.
We’re wishing the best of luck to our finalists!