Thursday 24th April is International Girls in ICT day, celebrating the theme of ‘girls in ICT for inclusive digital transformation.’

Telford College’s IT support team currently boasts 12 members, with tasks including everyday support for staff and students, to kitting out entire classrooms and buildings with the best possible infrastructure for the college to excel.

Digital project manager Shelley George and desktop support technicians Keren Sacco and Tamar Constantine took time out of their busy day to discuss their career paths and provide advice for the next generation of women in computing.

“I first started here as an admin assistant, supporting the IT manager” says Shelley. “I worked my way up to desktop support team leader. Recently, a progression opportunity came up to take on an exciting role and I’m delighted to be the college’s new digital project manager.

“In this role, I manage all the digital projects for the college; such as replacing all digital equipment in classrooms and staff rooms, to support teaching and learning, and furnishing our future facilities. This includes all IT needs, from audiovisual, classroom hardware to laptops for staff and students.

“Everybody working here at Telford College is here for the same reason, we’re all passionate about supporting all our students and to give them the best chance to get the career opportunities they want to achieve. There’s so much teamwork and support for each other, not just in our department but college wide.”

Tamar, previously a student at Madeley Academy, started life as a digital apprentice at Telford College.

“After finishing my A levels I was looking for roles in IT, but I found that I had the right qualifications but no work experience” says Tamar. “A friend recommended to me that I should apply for an apprenticeship and started looking at options.

“I found the apprenticeship at the college through the government website. My apprenticeship was really beneficial to work and study in the same place, as it helped me understand how my team worked from an outside, student perspective.

“The staff here make the college such a great place to work in. It’s always a pleasure to see any staff member when out on a job. It’s just such a friendly environment to be a part of.”

“The team is great and I love working here, when I had the opportunity to stay on at the end, I was really grateful for the opportunity.”

Keren is the newest member of the team and has hit the ground running. She says: “I did a lot of practical A level subjects; I then became a casual sound engineer.

“I did a placement at Telford College in the IT team for sixth months, before moving into a dual role as a technician and learning support assistant in a school. I then applied for my current role and I’m enjoying it so far.

“I support all staff and students with any equipment they need and troubleshooting any software and hardware issues they may have. The rest of the staff here are genuinely happy and are always on hand to help.”

When discussing what tips they have for the IT workforce of tomorrow, Shelley says: “It is such a fantastic opportunity that’s always expanding.  There will always be a demand for IT in any organisation.”

“Just go for it” adds Tamar. “There’s so many opportunities for you to discover and, if you ever make any mistakes, there are so many people out there to support you.”

Are you looking to start your career in IT? Take a look at our digital courses and adult provision.