Insa Younis - Junior Software Developer Apprentice

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Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields are notoriously male-dominated, so it is paramount that we celebrate the women working in these industries.

By simply turning up to work, women in Tech are breaking barriers, helping advocate for gender equality, and paving the way for the future generation of Tech!

As well as battling against the Tech industry’s gender gap – some of our female apprentices are battling against apprenticeship stereotypes too. There is a common misconception that apprenticeship programmes are solely for 16 to 25-year-olds, but this is not true. 

Visibility is the best way to break down misleading stereotypes. In our International Women’s Day series, we aim to tackle stereotypes by showcasing some of the amazing women who chose to enter the Tech industry through an apprenticeship with us!

We hope this series inspires you to consider entering the Tech industry through an apprenticeship – regardless of your gender, age, or current career path.

MEET INSA

Hello! I am Insa Younis.

I am 36 years old, a full-time mother, and I have recently completed my Level 3 Software Development apprenticeship programme.

While completing my apprenticeship, I really enjoyed working as a Quality Assurance Test Engineer and after completing my programme I joined the Quality Assurance team in a permanent position.

INSA, WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO ENTER THE TECH INDUSTRY?

I entered the Tech industry as I have always been fascinated with the way you can use code to create something and make it come to life. I started my career by completing some software development courses online and working as a freelancer creating WordPress websites.

HOW DO YOU FIND BALANCING YOUR CAREER, APPRENTICESHIP, AND MOTHERHOOD?

If you set a good routine, you can balance work and motherhood. It was quite overwhelming at the start but with all the support from Baltic, my employer, and my family I managed to meet all deadlines.

DO YOU THINK BALTIC’S PLEDGE TO INCREASE APPRENTICE SALARIES HAS MADE ENTERING THE TECH INDUSTRY THROUGH AN APPRENTICESHIP MORE ACCESSIBLE?

Yes definitely, when you’re getting paid at a good rate you can enjoy working and completing your course and not worry about financial issues.

WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION? 

My mother and my husband are my biggest inspirations. They have supported me with my decision to build my career in Tech and continue to support and motivate me every day.

FINALLY, WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE PIECE OF ADVICE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS OF WOMEN ENTERING THE TECH INDUSTRY? 

Go and do an apprenticeship and join the Tech world!

As a woman who never expected to be in “Tech” but has now spent the last 15 months working in the “Tech industry” I am grateful to Baltic and my employer for the opportunities and experiences that have come out of my time in Tech. I hope that more and more amazing women join the sector over time and make it even more innovative and robust!

FEELING INSPIRED?

If Insa’s story has left you feeling inspired, positive for the future, and considering a new career path – don’t take your foot off the pedal now! We offer a range of expert-led Tech and Digital apprenticeship programmes guaranteed to improve your industry knowledge and provide you with hands-on experience.