Spotlight on TECwomen: Kayley Lawry, Training & Skills Coordinator at Software Cornwall

What is your Name? Kayley Lawry

What do you do?

I am a Training & Skills Coordinator at Software Cornwall, based in Pool.

Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?

In my role, I am responsible for designing and organising training programs that will help our members employees develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles and advance their careers. I also work closely with businesses to assess the training and development needs of their organisation and identify opportunities for improvement.

I am passionate about helping people reach their full potential and am dedicated to creating a culture of continuous learning for the tech sector in Cornwall.

What was your favourite subject at school?

My favourite subject in school was Graphics and Design. I took Art, Graphics, English, Maths, German, Science,

I then went on to College to undertake a Business Admin Course this is where I learnt the skills I needed to help me in my career. After completing a 2 year course I started an Admin apprenticeship working at Cornwall College and that is where I worked for 15 years and gained valuable work skills before working for Software Cornwall.

What do you do in your role at the moment? What does your day to day work look like?

I currently organise and facilitate training for the Software Sector in various technical and non Technical skills. This involves liaising with businesses and networking to find possible trainers for the programmes. My role is very varied and I also cover some of the marketing for the business and I manage one our EU funded projects Employer Led Skills.

I am the Event Operations Manager for Agile on the Beach working behind the scenes to help create our programme of speakers and assist out Event Manager with logistics for the event and marketing.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

Organising events whether that be training workshops or larger events like Agile on the Beach.

How did you get into the job your are doing now? What did you do to get started?

I think the skills I built up over the years and the confidence helped me in my interviews for this role. I also feel that networking with other people in the sector helps.

Have you faced any challenges along the way and how did you overcome them?

I face challenges every day in my role. Being able to solve problems is an integral part of our industry.

One particular thing I find challenging is public speaking but I push myself to do more of this and get out of my comfort zone.

What advice would you give to young girls?

Do what you want and enjoy what you are best at. Explore different areas of technology to find what interests them the most, the tech industry is vast and there are many different areas to explore.