Gemma Tipper, an International Baccalaureate student from King William’s College, has been selected as the first recipient of Sure’s female STEM bursary.
Sure introduced the bursary, the first of its kind in the Isle of Man, at the end of January 2019 for a female student interested in studying a science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) related degree at university.
Gemma was one of many local students to apply and aspires to study for a Master’s in computer science at the University of Bath in September 2019. She was chosen for her interest and obvious knowledge in computer science, her extra-curricular work placements and her forward-thinking attitude.
Lucienne De La Mare, HR Director at Sure, said: “We were blown away with Gemma’s application for the bursary and can’t wait to see her take her first steps towards what we expect to be a very successful career.
“At Sure we’re committed to supporting and developing local talent and this bursary aims to do that as well as diversify the local telecoms and technology sectors. This is just one way that we’re supporting the island’s economy as it gears up for an increasingly digital future.”
Gemma will receive £1,500 a year to support her studies. Additionally, she’ll undertake six weeks’ paid work experience at Sure every year throughout the bursary as well as receiving ongoing support from female mentors in senior positions at Sure.
Gemma Tipper said: “I'm delighted to be chosen for the bursary, and I feel inspired to push myself as a result. I can't wait to get started!”
According to Women in Tech, female representation in the sector has stalled over the last decade. Within telecoms and technology women make up just 22% of the UK workforce, according to the 2018 Labour Force survey, and only 12% of professional engineers are women
Sure is also running a bursary scheme in Jersey and Guernsey.
