AN annual computing conference has attempted to break the myth that working in IT is only for boys, as it is claimed there is a shortage of women in the industry.

Hello World, which was hosted by Teesside University, was designed to help encourage more girls to consider a career in IT.

A group of twelve schoolgirls from Stokesley School attended the conference, where they learnt the true scale of the computing industry and the issues surrounding a shortfall of women.

It is claimed that in the UK, only 1 in 5 students who study IT are girls.

Year 9 Stokesley School student Amy Chamberlain said: “I really like ICT in school and I thought it would be a good chance to see what it would be like as a career choice.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect on the day, it was different to what I had expected – that we would spend the day in a classroom.

“It was great fun and I learned a lot, the workshops were brilliant and we got to do loads.

“There are so many roles connected to ICT than I ever thought.”

Throughout the conference, the twelve students were allocated workshops, which gave them an insight into a range of IT-based careers.

Stokesley School careers leader Janine Harrison-Henry said: “It was great for the girls to hear, first-hand, that the idea that ‘computers are for boys’ is something which is just that – only an idea, there is no evidence to show that girls are not capable or welcomed into any careers in Information Technology and so there is no reason why they cannot or should not pursue their ambitions and aim high.”