Back in January we launched a competition in conjunction with the National IT Learning Centre to win a free IT training course worth £3000. Entrants simply had to explain in 100 words why they wanted to win. We had some great entries but whittled them down to a short list of eight. NITLC and womenintechnology.co.uk staff were then shown the short list and asked to vote for our favourite. Centrine from Glasgow was our lucky winner!
Her entry was: “Ever since I can remember, I’ve always loved computers. So much so that my 5 year old daughter knows how to use the basic side of computers as well. I’m proud of myself for instilling technology in her. I’m a single parent wanting so bad to progress career wise and I just genuinely wish that I was given a chance to prove myself. Winning this course will be a door opening for me in IT. It’ll give me a chance to better not only my future but my daughter’s. Thanks in advance.” [sic]
Centrine currently works as an IT Administrator and she has been in this position for nearly four years but would love to progress her career in IT. She has chosen to study the Cisco CCNA course because: “Cisco teaches the ability to install, operate and troubleshoot different networks. I enjoy solving IT related problems and I get a ‘buzz’ out of it.”
She says, “I’ve been yearning to progress academically for a long time now. I’ve approached so many companies that help single parents like me but unfortunately, we do have a stigma in this country that states that if you’re working full time, you CAN afford to fund your own studies – this is not the case at all. Some of us work to provide for our families and pay for basic needs, not much is left over at the end of the month to pay towards my career. I have just received my first stage of course materials and can’t wait to get started with my studies!”
So, Centrine is well on her way to becoming one of the much sought after “Cyberellas” that the IT industry is crying out for! Maybe her daughter will follow in her glass slippers when she is older and become a Cyberella too! Anyone who entered this competition should have received an email offering them a discount and how to claim it but if you would like any more information please contact Kate Lilley at the NITLC on 01636 612226.
