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CLOSING THE MID-LEVEL TECH TALENT GAP: ORDNANCE SURVEY’S APPROACH
Ordnance Survey have partnered with Code First Girls (CFG) to strengthen and diversify their mid-level tech talent pipeline, addressing the industry-wide challenge of hiring and retaining women in mid-level engineering roles.
With 50% of women leaving tech before the age of 35, creating alternative career pathways is essential to ensuring that diverse talent not only enters the industry but also stays and thrives. Seeking a solution to bridge this gap, Ordnance Survey worked with Code First Girls to hire Data Engineers into their team at mid-level.
How did they do it?
Ordnance Survey sponsored women through our Mid-Level Accelerator – a learning opportunity provided to women who are ready to step into a mid-level technical role. The Mid-Level Accelerator is focused on giving women a strong blend of skills – technical skills, technical professional skills and tech innovation – to help them to confidently progress their career. After this training, Ordnance Survey then hired these women into full-time, mid-level Data Engineering roles.
This partnership not only opened up a new mid-level recruitment channel, but also reinforced Ordnance Survey’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive workforce – helping them maintain their position as the world’s #2 leader in geospatial capability.
100%
felt that the MLA taught them new and useful skills
100%
conversion from education to full time job
1,450%
oversubscribed with applicants vs available roles
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THE CHALLENGE
Hiring diverse talent at the mid-level presents a unique challenge; not only are fewer women than men entering technology roles, but even fewer remain in the industry. Ordnance Survey recognised this issue and partnered with Code First Girls to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled, mid-level women technologists by leading with education.
Ordnance Survey sponsored women with prior tech experience through Code First Girls Mid-Level Accelerator, providing advanced technical education and professional development that prepares them for the next step in their careers.
THE SOLUTION
1. Build alternative career pathways through education
In the UK, the number of female graduates in core STEM subjects is 29% – a figure that has remained the same for the last three years. This continued lack of representation impacts diversity in entry-level engineering, and also at mid-level, where the pool of female talent becomes even smaller.
By sponsoring women through the Mid-Level Accelerator, Ordnance Survey was able to:
✅ Fill a mid-level tech talent pipeline with highly skilled candidates
✅ Address the gender imbalance in their tech teams
✅ Support career advancement for women in tech by providing free education
2. Provide career mentorship
51% of women in our community stated that mentorship is one of the most effective ways to support the retention of women in tech. Ordnance Survey ensured their new hires received dedicated mentorship throughout their training and transition into their roles, creating an environment where they felt supported, empowered, and set up for success.
4. Investing in retention
Building inclusive workplaces that value career progression is key to retaining diverse tech talent. By hiring women in tech at mid-level, Ordnance Survey actively supported women’s career growth in tech, reinforcing their commitment to diversity across the organisation.
The Mid-Level Accelerator not only develops technical expertise but also T-shaped skill sets, fostering a workforce that is technically strong, strategically adaptable, and highly collaborative.
THE RESULTS
Ordnance Survey’s partnership with Code First Girls is an example of how to drive real change. By investing in upskilling, mentorship, and career progression, they’ve filled critical tech roles and have championed diversity and inclusion, paving the way for a more equitable tech industry.
Demand for highly skilled, diverse tech talent continues to rise, with Ordnance Survey returning this year to hire more candidates! Upskilling and recruitment initiatives like the Mid-Level Accelerator offer a proven solution for businesses looking to attract diverse and experienced tech talent.
WHY CHOOSE CODE FIRST GIRLS
Companies around the world trust Code First Girls to:
- Build Mid-Level tech talent pipelines that support women’s career progression in tech
- Provide a comprehensive curriculum that enables women to thrive in mid-level tech roles
- Solve the gender imbalance in your business by sponsoring & hiring women in tech
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