Archive - Thursday, 15 November 2001


Find by date

Other ways to search

Also look for

Never miss anything again. Sign up for our RSS news feeds and Newsletters.

Penarth girl claims computing award

A PENARTH girl logged on to success when she met the Education Minister to claim a computing award.

Rebecca Clarey was Welsh champion in a UK-wide event aimed at encouraging more women to take up careers in information technology (IT) and help balance a massive skills shortage in the industry.

Rebecca topped the bill when she met Jane Davidson at the ceremony. Mrs Davidson presented her with £250, a laptop computer donated by High Street chain Dixons, and the 'A Star' trophy.

She came top in the regional heats, and then went on to scoop the Welsh award. Now she goes on to the next stage.

UK Secretary of Trade Patricia Hewitt is expected to present the overall UK winner's award next January in London. Prizes will include a trip to Europe's biggest computer fair in Hanover, Germany during March 2002.

Rebecca is an ex-student of St Cyres School, Penarth, and is now studying music at Oxford University.

Stanwell student Melanie Ford received a certificate for outstanding achievement in the same ceremony.

Mrs Davidson said: "Information Technology is a central part of the Welsh Assembly's drive to raise educational standards and it is essential boys and girls leave school with technological skills. But these young women are ahead of the game. Their skills will become more and more invaluable."

Ailsa Symeonides, Sales and Marketing Director of Edinburgh-based international software company Axios Systems has won support for her initiative from examination awarding bodies throughout the UK.