There is a growing demand for open source technology and technologists across the public and private sectors - both in Aotearoa New Zealand, and internationally. To respond to the market demand, Catalyst hosts and participates in various initiatives. For example, our Catalyst Open Source Academy which has been running since 2011.
Our team is also keen advocates of visiting schools and providing perspective and representation that might inspire the next generation. Most recently, Bill Viggers, a teacher at Wellington High School, contacted Catalyst and asked us for support to create a small programme of visits to inspire the Year 9 Digital Technologies students about IT careers. Catalyst were proud to support the initiative and arranged enough speakers to visit each class at least once in the final week of Term 3, 2023. Women from Catalyst IT and the wider Wellington tech community attended to discuss their tech journeys and careers.
The speakers came from all corners of the tech sector, ranging from software developers, data engineers, security experts, and technical leads, to consultants, project leads, delivery leads, and teachers. The goal was to demonstrate the diversity of careers in tech, and, to also demonstrate the diversity of backgrounds and experiences. It was also an opportune moment to remove preconceptions and highlight the need, and support, for gender equality in the industry. Our team was delighted the discussions resonated with teachers and students alike.
“What a difference it makes to our young students to have women working in real IT jobs come in to talk with them about their careers." says Bill. "It certainly helps them realise that there are people who are not just pākehā males working in the field”.
Ngā mihi nui to the women who spoke with the students and shared their experiences and journeys.
At Catalyst, we are hopeful these sessions might have inspired at least one young person per class to consider a tech career or study option.
Written by Aleisha Amohia, Koha Technical Lead