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Auteurs principaux: Williams, Shondell, Blackmore, Karen, Berretta, Regina, Mansfield, Michelle
Format: Preprint
Publié: 2025
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Accès en ligne:https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.22508
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author Williams, Shondell
Blackmore, Karen
Berretta, Regina
Mansfield, Michelle
author_facet Williams, Shondell
Blackmore, Karen
Berretta, Regina
Mansfield, Michelle
contents Demand for technology focused STEM professionals will increase globally over the coming decade, with many countries finding it difficult to meet growing demand. Compounding this are difficulties in attracting and retaining female technology-focused professionals. Research seeking to address this gender imbalance and workforce shortage focuses on increasing participation among school leavers. However, there is a paucity of research around the potential for females to upskill or reskill into an ICT career. As a starting point, this review asks the question: "What potential drivers and barriers have been identified that impact on female intentions or choices to reskill or upskill to a technology focused STEM career". Results indicate dissatisfaction in a first career, combined with positive computing experiences in the workplace can rouse interest in computing professions. Learning of job opportunities, especially from salient referents, is also a key driver. Results indicate women must overcome negative identity and academic beliefs, as well as self-doubt to make the switch. In summary, it is possible to increase and diversify the tech workforce by leveraging women's latent interest in computing. This review provides a roadmap for research to support educational institutions, employers, and women to benefit from upskilling or reskilling opportunities
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2510_22508
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Women upskilling or reskilling to an ICT career: A systematic review of drivers and barriers
Williams, Shondell
Blackmore, Karen
Berretta, Regina
Mansfield, Michelle
Computers and Society
Demand for technology focused STEM professionals will increase globally over the coming decade, with many countries finding it difficult to meet growing demand. Compounding this are difficulties in attracting and retaining female technology-focused professionals. Research seeking to address this gender imbalance and workforce shortage focuses on increasing participation among school leavers. However, there is a paucity of research around the potential for females to upskill or reskill into an ICT career. As a starting point, this review asks the question: "What potential drivers and barriers have been identified that impact on female intentions or choices to reskill or upskill to a technology focused STEM career". Results indicate dissatisfaction in a first career, combined with positive computing experiences in the workplace can rouse interest in computing professions. Learning of job opportunities, especially from salient referents, is also a key driver. Results indicate women must overcome negative identity and academic beliefs, as well as self-doubt to make the switch. In summary, it is possible to increase and diversify the tech workforce by leveraging women's latent interest in computing. This review provides a roadmap for research to support educational institutions, employers, and women to benefit from upskilling or reskilling opportunities
title Women upskilling or reskilling to an ICT career: A systematic review of drivers and barriers
topic Computers and Society
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.22508