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ACS donates fifty laptops to boost digital opportunities

 

Initiative grows IT employment prospects for young Territorians

 

 

3 August 2022

 

The Australian Computer Society has donated fifty laptops to the Northern Territory Department of Education as part of a First Nations’ digital learning program to boost students’ digital skills and employability.

 

The laptops will be used by students at Top End School of Flexible Learning (TESoFL) Tivendale Campus located in the youth detention centre,

 

ACS’ Digital Pulse report this year found in this year’s annual snapshot of the Australia’s technology workforce that indigenous workers make up only 0.66% of Australia’s technology workforce and recommended addressing the sector’s diversity as an important part of easing the nation’s chronic tech skills shortage.

 

Samuel Woods, Head of Tivendale Campus, said the introduction of computer-based learning would improve education at the school.

 

“We know ICT numeracy and literacy programs increase engagement and participation so hope this program will be a gamechanger for students.” Samuel Woods

 

ACS Northern Territory Branch Chair, Damien Charles, added the donation is part of the professional organisation’s commitment to increase the proportion of First Nation workers in the sector.


“The technology sector is one of the best-paying sectors in the workforce and is one of the fastest growing employers both nationally and for the Territory. Tech plays an important role for almost every part of society and the economy.

 

“This program fits in well with other programs such as ACS’ Indigenous Scholarship that we award with Charles Darwin University every year.”

 

Awarded by Charles Darwin University since 2018, the ACS Indigenous Scholarship supports and showcases indigenous achievement in Information Technology courses.

 

Rich Ridge, Director of DidgeNet, said he hoped more organisations like ACS considered how their devices can be re-distributed.

 

“If these sorts of resources can change even just a couple of kids’ lives, I think that’s a great outcome,” he said.

 

 

 

-ENDS-

 

 

 

Further information

 

Troy Steer

 

Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy

 

M – 0417 173 740

 

E – troy.steer@acs.org.au

 

 

About Us

 

ACS is the professional association for Australia’s technology sector and the largest community with 47,000+ members from across business, government and education.

 

ACS champions the technologies, people and skills critical to Australia’s future, creating value for ACS members, the tech sector and society in four ways:

 

Community

 

Our focus is on fostering an innovative and inclusive community that is dedicated to powering positive change through technology.

 

Capability

 

We set the standard for assessing, developing and recognising the skills and experience of technology professionals.

 

Career

 

We create career pathways to guide technology professionals and ensure Australia has a pipeline of talent with the right skills and knowledge.

 

Migration

 

We assess and support skilled technology migrants to address critical skills shortages, improve diversity and enrich Australia’s workforce.

 

Find out more at: acs.org.au