Reskilling programs for women returning to tech should offer flexible schedules, soft skills training, mentorship, up-to-date curricula, childcare support, financial aid, real-world experience, recognition of prior skills, psychological support, and employer partnerships to ease transition and boost employment success.
How can reskilling programs be tailored to support women returning to the tech workforce after career breaks?
AdminReskilling programs for women returning to tech should offer flexible schedules, soft skills training, mentorship, up-to-date curricula, childcare support, financial aid, real-world experience, recognition of prior skills, psychological support, and employer partnerships to ease transition and boost employment success.
Empowered by Artificial Intelligence and the women in tech community.
Like this article?
Reskilling/Upskilling Programs for Non-Traditional Candidates
Interested in sharing your knowledge ?
Learn more about how to contribute.
Sponsor this category.
Flexible Scheduling and Part-Time Options
Reskilling programs should offer flexible schedules, including part-time, evening, or weekend classes, allowing women to balance their learning with family responsibilities or other commitments. This flexibility helps ease the transition back into the workforce without overwhelming participants.
Inclusion of Soft Skills and Confidence Building
Often, career breaks can affect confidence and workplace readiness. Programs should integrate soft skills training—such as communication, leadership, and teamwork—alongside technical skills, helping women feel more prepared and empowered to re-enter the tech field.
Mentorship and Peer Support Networks
Creating mentorship opportunities and peer support groups within reskilling programs can provide returning women with guidance, encouragement, and networking opportunities. Pairing participants with mentors who have successfully re-entered the tech workforce can build motivation and practical insights.
Tailored Curriculum Relevant to Current Industry Trends
The tech industry evolves rapidly. Programs need to update curricula frequently and focus on in-demand technologies and tools to ensure participants learn relevant, up-to-date skills that boost their employability upon returning.
Childcare Support and Family-Friendly Facilities
Offering onsite childcare or partnering with childcare providers can remove a significant barrier for women with young children. Family-friendly program environments also signal institutional support for participants’ unique needs during their career transition.
Financial Assistance and Scholarships
Providing scholarships, grants, or subsidized tuition specifically for women returning from career breaks reduces financial stress and makes reskilling more accessible, encouraging more women to take advantage of these opportunities.
Real-World Projects and Internships
Incorporating hands-on projects, internships, or apprenticeships with tech companies allows returning women to apply new skills in practical settings, rebuild their professional experience, and build confidence in their abilities to perform in real-world roles.
Recognition of Prior Experience and Transferable Skills
Programs should assess and credit women’s prior professional experience and transferable skills. This approach avoids redundancy, accelerates learning paths where appropriate, and values the diverse backgrounds women bring to tech careers.
Psychological Support and Career Coaching
Career breaks can impact more than just technical skills. Offering access to counseling, psychological support, and career coaching can help address any anxieties, identify goals, and create personalized career plans, facilitating smoother reintegration.
Partnerships with Employers Committed to Inclusive Hiring
Reskilling programs should collaborate with employers who actively recruit and support women returning from career breaks. Facilitated hiring pathways, interview preparation, and employer sensitization to career gaps can improve job placement rates and workplace retention.
What else to take into account
This section is for sharing any additional examples, stories, or insights that do not fit into previous sections. Is there anything else you'd like to add?