Zoopla launches its first ever Software Engineering Apprenticeship to help build future pipeline of female tech talent
14th February 2020
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Zoopla founding member of Tech She Can Charter, an organisation that aims to improve diversity in tech by increasing the number of women working in technology roles in the UK
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Ten apprentices will gain skills and internationally recognised qualifications
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New jobs welcomed by Digital Minister Matt Warman
Zoopla, the UK’s most comprehensive property destination, has launched its first ever apprenticeship in Software Engineering. The company is recruiting for ten software engineer apprentices who will learn core skills and gain internationally recognised qualifications before joining Zoopla’s Product & Tech team for invaluable real life experience in developing products and services for Zoopla’s customers. The company especially welcomes applications from females looking for a career in technology.
The new apprenticeship scheme is offered with the Tech She Can Charter, a group of over 150 companies that seeks to increase diversity in technology roles in the UK. Zoopla is a founding member of the Tech She Can Charter and will be encouraging a high ratio of female applicants for the open roles. Research from Tech She Can shows only 27% of women would consider a career in technology compared to 62% of men. It is hoped initiatives like Zoopla’s new apprenticeship scheme can encourage young girls and women to have a career in tech and help redress the balance.
The ten new roles are in addition to the 120 new jobs Zoopla has previously announced it will create in 2020. Of the 120 new roles previously announced there will be dozens of highly-skilled experts in product development, software engineering and data analysis. The creation of these roles along with the new apprenticeships is part of Zoopla’s focus on creating best-in-market products and services and its ambition to deliver an ever-improving service for its customers and consumers.
Digital Minister Matt Warman said: "It’s great to see Zoopla creating more UK jobs and investing in its workforce's digital skills. This new apprenticeship scheme is a positive step towards a more diverse tech sector, which is not only good for society but also makes business sense.
"We want to build a world-leading digital economy with growth right across the country and are investing £3 billion in a new National Skills Fund to help benefit people, equipping them with the skills they need."
Commenting on the launch of the initiative, Catrin Anderson, Zoopla’s Chief People Officer, said: “We have ambitious plans for the future combined with a commitment to innovation, so we are very excited to launch our first apprenticeship program. We are looking for talented individuals who are at the beginning of their career and who show a passion for technology. It is our intention to empower them to make smart decisions as they take their first step on their technology journey. In particular we want to give opportunities to women who are looking to forge a career in technology and innovation, helping us build a pipeline of talent that will benefit our customers for years to come.”
“At Zoopla we believe that our diversity makes us stronger and smarter, both in terms of our products and services, as well as in terms of the people that work here. We pride ourselves on creating an environment of high performance, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, show craftsmanship, be curious and make a meaningful difference. We look forward to welcoming our new apprentices and watching them learn the skills they need to have a successful career in technology.”
Successful applicants for the Zoopla Software Engineering Apprenticeship will receive an extensive training package in Software Development Methodologies. This is a Level 4 qualification and includes the opportunity to gain industry recognised professional qualifications. Training is delivered by a team of expert tutors at The Corndel Software Engineering Academy where the apprentices spend approximately 20% of their time training before joining Zoopla’s Product & Tech team. The apprentices will receive a competitive starting salary and an extensive benefits package.
To learn more about Zoopla’s Software Engineering Apprenticeship or to apply visit here.
Founded in 2007, Zoopla is a successful property marketplace offering services to renters, buyers, sellers and landlords. Its website attracts 58 million visits a month and 1.4 million unique users a month.
The company returned to private ownership in July 2018 after a purchase by a group led by global private equity firm Silver Lake. Since the purchase a new leadership team has been implementing a focused strategy investing substantially in talent, technology, marketing and sales to help Zoopla enhance the service it offers consumers and to meet its ambitious growth plans.
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For further information, please contact PR Team on pr@zoopla.co.uk or +44 (0)20 3873 8770.
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