In order to encourage more women to work in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector in Indonesia, the ILO launched a training and workforce readiness programme, particularly for female workers, on web programming. The ICT remains a male-dominated industry with only 28 percent women working in this sector.

This program is part of the ILO's Women in STEM Project which seeks to promote greater involvement of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This programme will select 500 female participants all over Indonesia who will participate in a three-month training programme organized in collaboration with two digital training institutions, Clevio Coder Camp and Axioo Class Program, the training division of Axioo, a computer manufacturer.

Michiko Miyamoto, ILO Director for Indonesia, reminded that the Indonesian labour market would need around 9 million digital talents in the next 15 years. This drastic development in the ICT sector is supported by the growth of electronic commerce industry whose trade value is estimated at 65 billion US dollars in 2022.

"Therefore, this training plays a critical role in strengthening Indonesia's ICT sector in order to meet the increasing digital needs and to answer the 4.0 industrial revolution challenges. You are the source of hope for Indonesia's economic recovery and future,” she said when launching this programme virtually to the 200 participants on October 10, 2020.

Ready-to-work ICT workers

In addition to having more women in the ICT sector, this training programme also aims to create ready-to-work ICT labour force, especially since digital talents are badly needed during the COVID-19 pandemic that requires many to work from home. This programme does not only focus on technical aspects. It also prepares non-technical skills, including entrepreneurial skills.

"This program aims to train vocational high school students to be ready to work in ICT-related sector or to start a business using advanced technology," said Santy Otto, National Project Officer of the Women in STEM Project in Indonesia. "Not only in Indonesia, this project is also carried out in the Philippines and Thailand."
 
In terms of methodology, Siska Oetami, founder of Clevio Coder Camp, explained that the learning material would focus more on practical exercises and would use mixed methods that combines virtual learning with mentoring and self-learning.

"In addition to learning under the guidance of mentors and facilitators, participants are also required to practice on their own using a learning management system platform which provides various projects and homework. By using this method, participants are expected to be ready to work when this training is completed," revealed Siska.

This program, which is supported by J.P Morgan, is provided free of charge and is inclusive, opening opportunities for people with disabilities. Potential candidates can easily sign up by filling in the form on the page http://s.id/digdev to participate in the selection process.

This programme is part of a similar program carried out by the ILO Women in STEM Project since the middle of this year. One programme implemented was the ICT training for retail industry following the loss of jobs and income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This programme was attended by 624 participants with focus on training in online store application development, online store administration management and business mentoring.

Meanwhile, other programmes focus on increasing the capacity of Indonesia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs) instructors to create and conduct digital learning. The training programme, conducted for the second time, will be attended by 120 TVETs’ instructors from 27 provinces and will contribute to Indonesia's efforts to accelerate the digital transformation of online learning.