Tech specialist agency BENCH PR has announced the additions of Gooroo and Code Like a Girl to its expanding client portfolio, as well as the appointment of Tara Ballard as a senior consultant.

Gooroo is an IT and tech recruitment platform which uses artificial intelligence and applied behavioural science to rank, rate and predict individual engagement in a role and the future contribution of individuals to companies.

Darcy Cameron, vice president of marketing at Gooroo, said: “We were impressed by BENCH PR’s understanding of our business, their expertise and knowledge of the Australian media landscape and their passion for the tech industry.

“We’re very much looking forward to working together to help boost our awareness and accelerate our growth.”

Code Like a Girl is an organisation dedicated to providing girls with the tools, knowledge and support to enter and flourish in the world of IT.

Ally Watson co-founder of Code Like a Girl, said: “The team at BENCH have been proactive in their support of many initiatives over the years to help women succeed in business and are highly recommended.

“We want to inspire girls of all ages to learn to code and thrive in technology careers, and know the BENCH team are really passionate about this, as an all-female team working in the IT industry.”

BENCH PR has also hired Tara Ballard (pictured above) as a senior consultant to support its growing client portfolio. She joins the agency with over eight years’ PR and communications experience, having worked for Ogilvy’s tech PR agency, Howorth, for six years, as well as time in-house at Toll Group as group corporate communications adviser.

Jocelyn Hunter, managing director of BENCH PR, said: “Both Gooroo and Code Like A Girl are great examples of local organisations that are working to help companies not only meet a growing IT skills gap in Australia, but also to help them hire smarter and without bias.

“Code Like a Girl is a cause I’ve admired for a while, so I’m pleased we can help them with PR support to spread the word about the wonderful work they’re doing.”