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Enniscorthy IT company encouraging young women to pursue careers in technology

Nicole Lageu (Loreto Secondary School), Bronagh Murphy (HR Generalist, Datapac), Veda Hanley O'Leary (Loreto), and Molly Donoghue (Loreto).

Nicole Lageu (Loreto Secondary School), Veda Hanley O'Leary (Loreto), Bronagh Murphy (HR Generalist, Datapac), and Molly Donoghue (Loreto).

thumbnail: Nicole Lageu (Loreto Secondary School), Bronagh Murphy (HR Generalist, Datapac), Veda Hanley O'Leary (Loreto), and Molly Donoghue (Loreto).
thumbnail: Nicole Lageu (Loreto Secondary School), Veda Hanley O'Leary (Loreto), Bronagh Murphy (HR Generalist, Datapac), and Molly Donoghue (Loreto).
Simon Bourke
© Enniscorthy Guardian

Young women in Wexford schools are being encouraged to pursue careers in technology as part of an initiative from Enniscorthy-based IT services provider Datapac. Launching its Pathways Inclusion initiative, which aims to expand access to technology careers through diversity and inclusion, Datapac visited Loreto Wexford where students were given insights into the company’s work practises.

Aiming to encourage more women and young girls into technology roles by embarking on roadshows at local secondary schools, Datapac plans to widen the talent pool within the technology industry by targeting largely untapped talent groups. These include career-changers with transferrable skills and rich work experiences, and those seeking direct entry into the workforce after secondary education.

A partnership with Maynooth University, will see Datapac participate in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) Passport programme from September 2024 to provide mentorship to Transition Year girls, encouraging their pursuit of STEM careers and culminating in a level 6 STEM qualification.

Karen O’Connor, General Manager, Datapac said, “We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential for driving innovation and success in the technology sector. The modern technology landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, but a significant portion of the talent pool remains untapped due to outdated barriers to entry. To help address this inequality and evolve the narrative, Datapac is launching the Pathways Inclusion initiative as a movement towards greater industry-wide inclusivity.

Bronagh Murphy, HR Generalist, Datapac, added, “This goes beyond merely attracting talent at the recruitment stage and looks to how individuals can be supported once they enter the industry, and through an investment in the root of the talent tree. Through our Pathways Inclusion initiative, we are committed to creating opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to thrive in the industry and, in turn, create a vibrant and diverse technology talent pool in Ireland.”