What do you think are the key steps to attract more women to the tech sector?

There are not enough people available to carry out all the technical tasks that need to be done. This issue, the shortage of skilled technical personnel, affects almost every company in this sector, from small start-ups to large enterprises. The demand for well-trained technicians continues to grow. But why is there such a shortage, and what does this mean for the future of the industry?

The shortage of technical talent is a complex problem with several causes. First, there is a growing demand for specialized skills such as software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity. This demand is amplified by rapid technological advancements and digitalization in almost every business sector.

Second, there is a gap between what is taught in schools and what companies need. Traditional educational methods sometimes struggle to keep pace with rapidly changing technologies, leaving graduates not entirely ready for the workforce. Additionally, the composition of the technical sector plays a role. Traditionally, this sector has been male-dominated, but there is increasing recognition that women also have significant potential in technical professions. This brings us to a critical solution for the shortage of technical talent: increasing the participation of women in tech.

Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) shows that the gender gap in the Dutch technical sector is still significant, despite progress. In 2022, there were four times as many young men as women in technical professions. The percentage of technically trained women has risen to nearly 30%. The number of girls choosing technical profiles in school is also increasing, but the Netherlands still lags behind other EU countries, with only 3% of women completing a technical education. Increasing the number of women in tech is crucial for both gender equality and meeting the growing demand for technical personnel.

Women in Tech: An untapped potential

Involving women in the technical sector can play a crucial role in addressing the shortage of technical talent. Women bring different perspectives, creativity, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for innovation and growth within organizations. Encouraging girls and women to choose technical studies and careers is therefore of great importance.

At Trinamics, we notice that our clients are eager to hire women for service roles in areas such as electrical engineering. This indicates a market desire to integrate more women into technical positions. Traditionally, technical work was often considered heavy labor, but many of our vacancies are in electrical engineering and software, meaning it is not necessarily a physically demanding job.

The future of the technical sector

To address the shortage of technical talent, companies and educational institutions must work together to find innovative solutions. This includes revising curricula to better align with industry needs, investing in reskilling for employees, and actively involving underrepresented groups such as women.

At Trinamics, we understand the challenges facing the technical sector, and we are determined to contribute to solutions. We focus on matching talent with the right positions and support initiatives that promote diversity. Our goal is to build a well-balanced and growing technical community. That's why we encourage all women interested in tech to join us and explore the opportunities!

Working together towards a solution

The shortage of technical talent is an urgent issue that can no longer be ignored. By actively involving women and investing in the next generation of technical experts, we can ensure a strong future for the technical sector. Let’s work together to tackle this challenge and find a solution to the shortage of skilled workers in the tech industry.