Women ReBOOT Learners Deliver Live Innovation Pitch at Guidewire Dublin Headquarters
Certificate in Career Development (Women ReBOOT) programme focuses on real-world, industry-integrated learning
Technology Ireland DIGITAL Skillnet’s Women ReBOOT programme, now accredited by TU Dublin continues to set the standard for industry-aligned career re-entry initiatives. Since the Women ReBOOT programme began more than 900 women returners have benefitted from the Women ReBOOT programme, with over 93% of those converting to full-time employment after the course. This cohort was the first to be accredited by Technological University Dublin.
Today learners had the opportunity to participate in a live Innovation Pitch at Guidewire’s Dublin headquarters in Blanchardstown. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and practical application, the participants have spent the last 10 weeks developing the expertise needed to thrive in the tech-force.
Women ReBOOT learners attend an Innovation Pitch at Guidewire’s Dublin headquarters, March 19th 2025.
The Innovation Pitch, taking place ahead of their subsequent work placements with Guidewire, is a key feature of the TU Dublin-accredited Certificate in Career Development (Women ReBOOT) and highlights the programme’s focus on real-world, industry-integrated learning.
The School of Management, People and Organisations (MPO) in the Faculty of Business, TU Dublin is proud to be part of the Women ReBOOT collaborative partnership situated in the context of tech organisations because we are actively achieving the aim of supporting the empowerment of women returners to the workplace. We know that women returners have the desired skills and ability - they just need the opportunity to catch-up and regain confidence in those abilities. We also know that Irish Tech hiring continues to grow in 2025, and employers are increasingly stating that diversity is a priority, so by providing this supported route back to technology positions for women returners, we are engaged in a valuable initiative that can make a real difference to career pathways for women in technology.
Dr Roisin Donnelly, Head of School of Management, People & Organisations, Faculty of Business, TU Dublin
The Innovation Pitch provides participants with the opportunity to showcase their problem-solving skills, creativity, and strategic thinking in front of industry professionals. This format not only prepares them for their return to the workforce but also reinforces the critical role of authentic assessment in university-accredited short courses.
Dr Roisin Donnelly, Head of the School of Management, People and Organisations TU Dublin, and Sheila Byrne, Senior Programme Manager at Digital Skillnet address Women ReBOOT learners at Guidewire’s Dublin HQ.
Speaking at the event, Sheila Byrne, Senior Programme Manager at Technology Ireland DIGITAL Skillnet highlighted the dual benefits of the Women ReBOOT programme "One aspect of the Women ReBOOT programme is the accreditation from TU Dublin which adds credibility to your learning, and the other are the technical skills. It is these professional skills that you need for the workplace and for your future development."
Graham Quinn, VP, Product Management, Global Content and Solution Delivery & Ireland Site Lead at Guidewire opened the session and welcomed the teams; Wonder Women, TAT Genie and Sync Warriors who presented their innovations to the judging panel. The panel were looking for teams to demonstrate successful application of teamwork with continual communications, "working software" and a minimum viable product; and a practiced professional presentation and demonstration.
Professional challenges to become workplace-ready
Authentic assessment – where learners engage in tasks that mirror real-world professional challenges – is essential in career re-entry programmes. For women transitioning back into the workforce, particularly in fast-evolving sectors like tech, these experiences bridge the gap between learning and employment, ensuring participants are workplace-ready.
By incorporating such assessments into an accredited university programme, TU Dublin and Digital Skillnet are reinforcing the importance of practical, skills-based learning and strengthening university-industry collaboration. The Women ReBOOT programme continues to be a model for how higher education can support diverse talent pipelines, providing structured, impactful pathways back to employment.
About Women ReBOOT
The Women ReBOOT programme is designed to support women returning to careers in technology, offering structured training, confidence-building, and industry connections. Participants graduate with a 15 ECTS TU Dublin Certificate in Career Development, equipping them with the skills and accreditation needed to successfully re-enter the workforce.
TU Dublin validation and accreditation for industry programmes
TU Dublin accreditation ensures that programmes meet established standards of quality and rigor. Accreditation ensures constructive alignment; authentic learning, teaching and assessment; and incorporate reflection and application for impact.
At TU Dublin Enterprise Academy, we are committed to bridging the gap between higher education and industry by supporting agile, responsive learning opportunities that meet the evolving skills demands of the workforce. Our collaboration with Digital Skillnet on the Women ReBOOT Career Development programme is a prime example of how enterprise-aligned education can drive real impact. By accrediting this programme with a 15 ECTS Certificate in Career Development, we ensure that returning women in tech gain industry-relevant skills, confidence, and accreditation that directly support their transition back into the workforce. Partnerships like this demonstrate the power of university-enterprise engagement in building inclusive talent pipelines and shaping the future of work.
Dr Dee Duffy, Senior Engagement Manager, TU Dublin Enterprise Academy
The Women ReBOOT Innovation Pitch judging panel and pitch winners - Team TAT Genie.
About the Enterprise Academy at TU Dublin
The Enterprise Academy provides a range of accredited talent development solutions for enterprise partners across the talent pipeline including Collaborative Provision. We support the process of recognising and credentialing programmes designed by industry for industry which are validated and accredited by Technological University Dublin.
If we can help your business build your future talent pipeline Technological University Dublin Enterprise Academy today.