Camp puts focus on IT
Young indigenous Australians have taken part in a program to help tackle the IT shortage at the University of Ballarat.
The EXploring Interests in Technology and Engineering (EXITE) camp from November 3 to 6 involved about 20 students in years nine to 11 from Ballarat schools.
Organised by IBM, the four-day camp involved a range of hands-on activities in the fields of IT and engineering and aims to encourage greater learning of technology among rural indigenous youth, and to encourage people living in rural cities like Ballarat to explore the IT industry and gain an understanding of its career potential.
St Patrick’s College year 11 students Shaun Hector, 17, and Norman Tipiloura, 17, said they went along to the camp to keep their options open after school.
“I’m not really good at the technology things, so I came along to see what I could do to get a better understanding,” Norman said.
IBM Australia EXITE leader for Ballarat Cameron Woolfe said IBM was committed to developing IT skills in Australia.
“This is the second camp we have arranged with a focus on working with the indigenous community, following a successful camp in 2007,” he said.
“It’s fortunate that IBM has a presence in Ballarat where there is also a significant indigenous population – we are keen to make this a sustained engagement with local indigenous communities, not just a one-off event.”
Highlights of the camp included a Welcome to Country ceremony, a visit to the local ABC radio studio, as well as a CD recording session and a robotics session.
University of Ballarat Aboriginal Education Centre manager Shirley Morgan said knowledge of information technology was essential for everyone in today’s world.
“The staff at the Aboriginal Education Centre hopes that the students enjoy the camp and learn more about careers in Information Technology and Engineering,” she said.
The Courier, 6/11/09
