In this episode of The Digital Lighthouse, host Zoe Cunningham explores the challenges and opportunities for women career switchers in tech with Sasha Burgoyne and Esme Chant from Softwire. Join them as they discuss: Why women career switchers need additional support in tech Creating supportive workplace environments for career switchers The value career switchers bring to tech organisations The structure and benefits of the TechSwitch program About Guests Sasha Burgoyne is the co-founder of TechSwitch, an award-winning software development training programme for career switches looking to move into tech, as well as people looking to return to the workplace. She is also Head of Academy at Softwire which delivers training in DevOps and software development and has been part of Softwire’s DEI Working Group since its inception. Esme Chant is the D&I Lead and a People Advisor at Softwire. She has played a key role in enhancing inclusivity within the company by implementing practical solutions, such as neurodiversity awareness training, facilitating reasonable adjustments, and creating a D&I calendar to ensure that various identities are recognised and celebrated. Episode Highlights: [00:00:01] Introduction and welcome [00:00:32] Esme's background and DE&I role [00:00:48] Sasha's role in TechSwitch program [00:01:11] Discussion on supporting women career switchers [00:02:30] Overview of TechSwitch program [00:06:49] Career switchers' value in the workplace [00:08:38] Softwire's workplace support initiatives [00:10:42] LevelUp program details [00:16:11] How to prepare for TechSwitch [00:17:30] TechSwitch application process Resources: TechSwitch- www.techswitch.co.uk Softwire - https://www.softwire.com/ Codecademy - https://www.codecademy.com/ Code Wars - https://www.codewars.com/