Children still choosing gender stereotypical jobs

The majority of children still choose stereotypically gendered jobs according to a specialist study of 11-17 year olds. When presented with a list of career options, girls gravitated towards nursing and fashion careers, while boys tended to pick video game design, software engineering and sports-related careers.

The research by BT Group confirmed that these stereotypes are being reinforced at home and, more importantly, school. Just two thirds of girls said they had been encouraged to work in a tech career by their families and teachers, compared to more than three quarters of boys.

Nearly double the number of boys described themselves as ‘very well suited’ to a career in tech compared to girls (25% vs 13%).

Girls were twice as likely to say they were ‘not very well suited’ to the industry (14% vs 26%) and half as likely as boys to desire a career in tech (30% vs 15%). Girls were also far less likely to believe there is nothing holding them back from a tech career (36% boys vs 23% girls).

Victoria Johnson, Social Impact Director at BT Group, said:“In this research and in the workshops we run in schools across the country, the trend is clear – when compared to boys, many girls feel like tech careers are not for them. This isn’t to say they are uninterested, or even that they are less confident with tech. To a lot of girls, careers in tech feel exclusive to men.

"Our research reveals there is still a lot of work to be done in supporting girls to thrive in the world of tech. It is critical we get this right now, rather than having to try and undo the problems it may cause in the future. Initiatives like our 'Work Ready' events are crucial to changing perceptions among young girls, providing them with the necessary insight and support to instil in them a confidence to chart their path into the world of work, unrestricted by outdated gender norms.”

The study also found that over half (51%) of girls think tech careers are advertised more to boys and nearly eight in 10 (78%) said there are not enough female role models in the tech industry. It comes as BT Group delivers its Work Ready programme in schools across the UK to prepare students for the world of work, connecting their STEM curriculum learning with skills that are in demand by employers. The programme aims to bridge the digital gaps for young people including girls and people with disabilities.

These events are taking place in schools across the UK in June and July including Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Darlington, Gosforth, Manchester and London. They are part of BT Group’s response to the Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022, supporting young people in gaining tech skills for the workplace.

Job preferences for girls and boys aged 11-17: