The Digital Professional Workforce Action Plan (DPWP) is partnering with the Australian Computer Society (ACS) to launch a high school awareness program to students across Queensland. A group of dynamic young tech ambassadors (YTAs), have been recruited to highlight the diversity a digital career pathway can offer students and talk to them about their personal journeys into a digital profession. YTAs are currently visiting high schools and careers day events to speak face to face with students to promote digital career opportunities and inspire the next generation of digital leaders and innovators.
On 13 March, at the BiG Day In, two YTAs shared their tech journeys with 400 students who travelled from schools between Bundaberg and north Brisbane. YTA Jameson Harvey, the founder of Red Dirt Robotics spoke about establishing his business whilst still at high school. In 2022, fresh from graduating Year 12, Jameson embarked on a unique journey into the outback. He crisscrossed Australia twice, reaching more than 2500 young engineers in regional and remote communities to teach them robotics. At the BiG Day In, Jameson shared his story on stage to a wide range of students.
YTA Sarah Eisenmenger spoke about her own amazing story. Sarah, who is also a business owner of Zest Robotics, advocates for females in STEM. She strives to deliver the best quality engineering, science and robotics education to girls through workshops, events and video content. Sarah’s business builds leadership and a STEM confidence for young girls, supporting the need to increase female participation in STEM and digital careers. Sarah spoke to over 70 students at the BiG Day In. Being from the Sunshine Coast, the local context of her career pathway resonated within the student’s conversations.
Through the collaborative efforts of the Queensland Government and ACS, and passionate YTAs like Jameson and Sarah, the high school awareness program is paving the way for a future workforce brimming with talent, diversity, and innovation in Queensland and beyond.
The high school awareness program is free to schools. The program presents an opportunity for educators and career specialists to equip their students with essential insights into the digital landscape. Digital Technology teachers and careers specialists can register to participate at https://www.acs.org.au/tech-ambassador.html.