The first National ICT Careers Week, which aims to demonstrate the dynamic career opportunities available in ICT to school-leavers and graduates, was officially launched today.
The Australian Computer Society today hosted the first of more than 100 national events aimed at school leavers at the University of Sydney’s NCSS online programming competition. Australia’s first astronaut, Dr Paul Scully-Power, gave an inspirational address to students. Along with ACS CEO Kim Denham, AIIA CEO Ian Birks and ITRCA President Penny Coulter, Dr Scully-Power officially announced the start of National ICT Careers Week.
Spearheaded by the ACS and the Australian Information Industry Association under the “Start Here, Go Anywhere” banner, National ICT Careers Week seeks to broaden student, teacher and parent perceptions of ICT careers by showcasing the career paths and industries which are open to people with ICT qualifications.
Recent figures from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) show strong long-term growth in employment, with just over 67,000 jobs created for ICT professionals in the 10 years to May 2008. The research also shows that ICT graduates have strong immediate prospects.
Events during National ICT Careers Week (28 July- 2 August) include:
- NSW - Build your own robotic dog! Digi–Girls, Lidcombe College TAFE IT Section
A technical acceleration program for girls in years 10-12, Digi-Girls demonstrates the relevance and use of technology in the workplace through hands-on training. The workshop includes constructing and wiring robotic dogs and developing movement sequences for robotic dogs.
- NSW - Forensics fighting crime: ACS event hosted by Forensic IT, for Ferrier Hodgson Forensics
Nigel Carson, Executive Manager, Forensic IT, for Ferrier Hodgson Forensics, will deliver a presentation on forensic IT and electronic delivery by discussing topical issues, the convergence of e-discovery matters with forensic IT, exploring some real-life examples of how the different technologies are being applied, and looking at future developments in these fields.
- Victoria - Australian workplace culture
Everything an IT graduate needs to know on how to make a smooth transition to the workforce, from how to use emails and coffee to conduct business meetings, Aussie slang and common communication blunders, as well as knowing what’s expected from you as a new employee.
- Queensland - Your Future
As part of National ICT Careers Week, ACS Queensland will host a careers night. Come and hear what companies look for when hiring and the opportunities for students, graduates and young professionals.
- SA – Meet Dr Karl
At the University of South Australia School of Computer & Information Science, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki will highlight the opportunities and advances in IT, and how contemporary society needs to be aware of these changes and adapt to them.
- Tasmania - Landing that job! 4-week course
ACS Tasmania’s participation in the careers week will extend for 4 weeks and is aimed at those in the final years of university study, providing them with tips and tools for job applications and how they can improve their transition to the workforce with the support of the University of Tasmania and local businesses.
- NT - Multimedia ICT Roadshow by NT Government Department of Corporate and Information Services
Multimedia and interactive roadshow for year 9-10 students, which will also be filmed for distance education students on the NT IDL network.
- ACT - ICT companies offer placements to Start Here, Go Anywhere
The formal launch of AIIAs Memorandum of Understanding with the ACS Foundation and their program for the work placement of graduate students with dynamic ICT companies.
ACS CEO Kim Denham outlined the significance of National ICT Careers Week for the industry, explaining that the unification of organisations, ICT companies and universities clearly demonstrates the positive steps the industry is taking to address skills shortages, to improve the image of the ICT and to promote the opportunities for careers in ICT.
“As the national and global economy shifts towards digital, combined with ever increasing reliance on technology products and solutions for day-to-day life, parents and school leavers need to start to realise what types of job opportunities will be in the greatest demand in the foreseeable future and what skills they will need to ensure long and rewarding careers. Having ICT qualifications will be of significant advantage to those wanting to succeed in various industries such as ICT, finance and business, health, gaming and entertainment, manufacturing – the list is endless."
AIIA CEO Ian Birks said, “National ICT Careers Week is about getting young people, their parents and their teachers excited about what ICT study and work has to offer. Many people would be surprised at where an ICT qualification can take them – it is like a passport to the world. The level of support being shown for the first ICT Careers Week is a fantastic result by any measure. The industry is united in its belief that we have some of the best careers available to graduates in the current marketplace. We have received strong endorsement from our colleagues to run the National ICT Careers Week again in 2009.”
Chair of the Careers Week Steering Committee and ITRCA President, Penny Coulter, said “We look forward to seeing students, teachers and parents at National ICT Careers Week events. We hope this week will create a new level of understanding of ICT careers, and that it is a profession at the forefront of cutting edge technologies, which will provide today’s youth with the capabilities to solve the problems of tomorrow”.
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Media information:
Yesica Ares (02) 9270 0204 or 0413 791 988
Fleur Brown (02) 9270 0241 or 0419 270 863