Case study: Gateway to Industry Schools program (GISP) – ICT

In 2021, the ICT Gateway to Industry Schools program (GISP) focused on promoting cyber security, artificial Intelligence, robotics and immersive technologies and the career opportunities available due to the need for more workers in these disciplines.

ICT GISP provider the Australian Computer Society (ACS) hosted and supported a number of well attended virtual and physical careers days around Queensland, including The BiG Day In events on the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, Rockhampton Future Tech Expo and the North Queensland Robotics Immersion Day. The successful events featured presentations from industry experts, hands on learning and helped open students' eyes to many careers they might not have considered, especially for female students.

Through GISP, ACS is already providing a talented pipeline of employees into the ICT industries, advancing the careers of Queensland students and keeping more jobs local.

This includes former Nudgee College student Luke Darbyshire-Roberts. Luke graduated in 2021 and, after being part of the ICT GISP program at school, started work with industry partner Data#3 as a Customer Support Administrator in December 2021.

Luke's role involves assisting Customer Support Representatives to ensure successful business and technology outcomes for Data#3 customers. Luke began his higher education with a Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Computer and Software Systems), but his time at Data#3 has led him to move his degree to Computer Science which will further enhance his career options in the industry.

"I knew that the ICT industry was right for me, and the ICT Gateway to Industry Schools program was an awesome opportunity to kickstart my career," Luke said.

"My time with Data#3 has given me a greater understanding of what the different of areas of ICT are comprised of and has allowed me to make a far more educated decision regarding which course and subjects were most suited to my interests and career goals."

ICT GISP Project Manager Matthew Jorgensen said more tech companies are taking secondary school graduates onboard for entry level positions due to a shortage of workers.

"Queensland schools have amazing technology programs, and the aim of the ICT GISP is to work with them and support pathways for students into the tech industry," Matthew said.

"ICT Gateway schools like Nudgee College are preparing their students for a digital future in the workplace and in daily life."

There are currently 33 ICT Gateway schools from Cairns to the Gold Coast and out to Ipswich, and more than 60 industry experts and organisations who have partnered with schools or provided engagement with schools across the state.