It is a good time to be working in the tech industry, as it is consistently growing. Technological advancements pave the way for even more advancements, and more and more people all over the world would like to have an opportunity to be part of making technology and not just using it. But how many actually have the chance of getting into IT?
Many, regardless of ethnicity, believe that they are fully capable of working in the tech industry. According to a Tech Times report, 42 percent of Hispanics and black Americans say they believe they can work with computers. Thirty-five percent of Asians also believe the same. The problem is, these individuals also expressed that they are not sure on how they will be able to get a head start in working for the tech industry.
Seventy-seven percent of parents say that they are encouraging their children to pursue employment in IT, but do not know where to start. Because of this, Facebook has come up with TechPrep, an informative hub that helps parents and children to be better acquainted with the tech world. The hub offers books, games and community events for both kids and parents to avail and participate in.
"TechPrep connects people to resources including games, books, in-person opportunities and community events to help learners as well as parents and guardians guide their kids in to computer science and programming," the company release stated. It also added that profiles of people pursuing careers in the industry are also included in TechPrep.
"By exposing people to computer science and programming and guiding them to the resources they need to get started, we hope to reduce some of the barriers that block potential from meeting opportunity," Facebook global director of diversity, Maxine Williams, said. The company will be using Facebook ads to promote the new initiative.
Techprep comes at a time when the social networking site is seeking to increase diversity in its workforce. Currently, Facebook employment is composed of 55 percent white, 35 percent Asian, 3 percent Hispanic and 2 percent black.
