Fresh Ideas: Unemployment Training to Support Women in Tech

It’s no secret that women are dramatically underrepresented in information technology, computing, and other tech careers. As a case manager, you have the opportunity to encourage unemployment training for women in these in-demand professional paths.

A 2022 report on women in tech statistics found that ladies hold only about 24% of computing jobs, and women make up just 11% of the engineering workforce. Many women older than 35 are also still in junior positions in tech. That could be because these women in tech haven’t had the same training and educational opportunities as men.

Often, case managers push women into jobs like healthcare since that industry is also growing strongly and is more historically considered a “female field.” But women with the right training in tech are more competitive. Many companies want to diversify their staff by hiring more women, even if they’ve just changed careers.

What Traits Do Women Need To Succeed in Tech?

When talking with your female clients, work with them to determine if a tech career would make sense. At first, they may undervalue their abilities. But with the right training and the right traits, they can find great success in technology.

The traits needed for women in tech to thrive include:

• A love of technology, including computing and engineering

• A willingness to learn and confidence that they can master the topics

• Creativity, since often tech solutions involve novel ideas

• Interest in new things, as tech, by definition, is constantly changing

• Ability to multi-task — and patience

Tips for Case Managers Helping Women in Tech

If your female clients lack confidence in the tech field, remember that being comfortable in a new career is always a challenge. While they may not already have the traits listed above, they may have other characteristics that make them ideal for the tech industry. For example, look for:

• Team players with good attitudes

• Trustworthy women who know when to ask for help

• Coachable clients who can adapt to new circumstances

• Women who can document their processes and stay organized

Remind your female clients that many tech jobs require interaction with people who understand computing even less than before their training. If they can communicate using both technical and non-technical terms, they could be the perfect person for the job.

Of course, prospective employees also need to have the right training and certifications. For example, they could qualify to work as IT network technicians with an online training program through MedCerts. Once they complete the course, they’ll be ready to pass the CompTIA Network+ certification exam. The IT security specialist online training prepares students to pass the CompTIA Security+ exam, which also can prepare your female clients for a new career.

Encourage them to be open to the idea of tech because there are so many job openings throughout the country that can pay quite well. Browse all MedCerts IT classes online to see what they’d be most interested in.

Workforce-Approved IT Training Makes a Difference

Your clients may qualify for no-cost training through programs like WIOA workforce funds, so you’ll want to connect them with an online school that can get them prepared for their new careers. MedCerts has partnered with American Job Centers as an approved training vendor in more than 30 states.

Along with a high-quality academic experience, your clients will enjoy training that can help them feel confident and prepared even before their first interview. Encourage your female clients to explore the IT training programs MedCerts offers so they can prove their abilities in a fast-growing industry.