How Microsoft's TechHer Programme Expands Digital Skills

As digital transformation accelerates across industries worldwide, from healthcare to finance, the need for diverse perspectives in technology development and implementation becomes increasingly apparent.

Traditional barriers to entry, including limited access to training and perceptions of the tech industry as unwelcoming to women, continue to shape career choices.

These challenges persist despite growing evidence that diverse teams drive innovation and improve business outcomes.

Technology companies worldwide have launched various initiatives to address this imbalance, yet many focus primarily on technical skills without addressing the broader cultural and systemic barriers women face when entering the field.

Addressing the broader and systemic issues of women in tech, Microsoft's TechHer programme, established in 2016, takes a different approach.

The initiative emerges from a recognition that technical training alone cannot address the complex factors deterring women from technology careers.

As remote work and digital skills become fundamental to most professions, programmes that help women navigate the technology landscape grow increasingly vital.

Microsoft's TechHer programme gains traction

Launched in 2016, TechHer offers free introductory courses for women across the public and private sectors on a range of technology topics, including AI, Azure cloud computing, Power Platform and cybersecurity.

Jane Pitt, who founded TechHer, explains that in 2024, nearly 4,000 women across UK government departments completed Module One of Microsoft's “Fundamentals” online training course.

This course requires just one hour of commitment per week for five weeks.

Due to high demand, the TechHer team is expanding its offerings.

Jane says: “One for health and social care, another one for government, and one for retail.”

Creating a safe space for learning

Feedback from TechHer attendees has been positive, with many praising the approachability of the female trainers and the engaging nature of the content.

Jane believes that creating a safe learning environment is key to TechHer's success: “Many women worry they won't fit in and will feel self-conscious. So we're about giving women confidence that this industry does have a place for them in it.”

The programme focuses on exploring the interface between technology and humanity, rather than providing detailed technical training.

Jane adds: “We tell stories and talk generally about different types of technology and what they can do in a relatable way.

“We don't do detailed technical training – coding, for example – there's tonnes of that content out there if women want that.”

Addressing industry challenges

Jane's own career journey illustrates the challenges women face in the tech industry.

She recounts her experiences as a datacentre engineer: “Back in the days when I was data centre engineer, there weren't any other women and you had to change into someone else to fit in.”

These experiences motivated Jane to create TechHer when she joined Microsoft. “Things could be different and that's why I founded TechHer. I didn't have to be one of the blokes, I could just be me,” she says.

The programme has evolved since its inception. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, TechHer adapted by moving courses online.

Jane reports: “We trained about 900 women through the pandemic, teaching them tech fundamentals.”

Measuring impact and future plans

Microsoft has estimated significant economic benefits from the TechHer programme.

For a cohort of 1,500 women attending the digital 'bootcamps', the expected five-year total economic benefit in terms of future income and avoided training costs is approximately £70,000 per person (US$87,719).

The company anticipates that these women will earn 33% more than they did before the programme.

Given the scheme's success, the TechHer team aims to reach 6,000 women working in the public sector through new courses planned for 2025.

Jane concludes: “I’m an infrastructure engineer dealing with the physical stuff – computers, networks, datacentres. I don’t code; I can’t write software; but I have a career in technology.”

Explore the latest edition of Technology Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Tech & AI LIVE.

Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.

Technology Magazine is a BizClik brand